How much does a hospital social worker make?

In the United States, experience, an advanced state license, and a healthcare specialty can open higher-responsibility roles; pay also varies by employer and location. Full- or part-time hours and evening or weekend schedules can affect total earnings, while fame usually matters little in this team-based job.

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

What's a typical day like?

They meet patients and families, hear their worries, and work with the care team to plan support. They may counsel people, connect them to services, and arrange care at home or another facility after discharge.

Start with an accredited bachelor's degree in social work; clinical hospital roles require a master's degree in social work. Then complete supervised experience, pass your state's required licensing exam, and get a state license; rules differ by state.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out.

By coordinating support and discharge, hospital social workers can help shorten hospital stays and reduce how often patients return.