How to Become a California Medical Social Worker: A Step-by-Step Career Guide
The numbers are staggering – California’s senior population will grow by 166% by 2060. Some counties will see increases above 200%. The most dramatic change? The population of those 85 and older will expand by 489% across the state.
Right now, more than 16% of California seniors live in poverty. This reality makes skilled elder care professionals more important than ever. A career as a California Geriatric Social Worker looks promising with plenty of growth ahead. Healthcare social workers in California earn between $66,340 to $88,380 – making it a financially rewarding path too.
This piece will show you the exact steps you need to take to start a career in geriatric social work in California. You’ll learn about the requirements and opportunities that await, whether you’re new to the field or switching careers. The elder care sector is growing fast and needs dedicated professionals who want to make a difference while building a meaningful career.
Understanding Geriatric Social Work in California
California stands at the edge of a major population change. By 2030, nearly 10 million Californians will be older adults—about 25% of the state’s population. This dramatic change creates urgent job opportunities for geriatric social workers throughout the state.
The growing need for elder care specialists
Several factors drive the rising need for geriatric social workers in California. By 2030, seniors aged 60 or older will make up more than one-quarter (26%) of the population. The number of people over 80 will reach 2.3 million—48% more than in 2020.
This surge creates significant workforce gaps. The job market for home health and personal care aides will grow 21% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than other jobs. These services will expand by 29% by 2030, potentially adding nearly 1 million positions in California alone.
The shortage of qualified professionals raises concerns. Experts expect a shortage of between 600,000 and 3.2 million direct care workers by 2030. Only 5% of California’s healthcare providers have specialized training in geriatrics.
Geriatric social workers help seniors maintain their dignity and independence. Their main duties include:
- Conducting biopsychosocial assessments to check mental health, behavior, family relationships, cognitive abilities, living environment, financial situation, and physical health
- Creating customized care plans for immediate and long-term needs
- Managing care between doctors, mental health practitioners, and legal experts
- Helping seniors access insurance, housing, and financial aid programs
- Offering counseling to seniors and their caregivers
- Protecting clients’ medical, legal, and financial rights
These professionals must also master specialized areas like end-of-life care, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, elder abuse, substance abuse, and caregiver support. The role combines technical expertise with genuine care for older adults.
How California’s aging population shapes the field
California’s Master Plan for Aging outlines a 10-year strategy to meet older adults’ needs through government and community collaboration. The state’s senior population grows more diverse each year. No single racial or ethnic group forms a majority, making cultural awareness crucial.
Population diversity brings unique challenges. By 2040, foreign-born seniors will make up 40% of older adults (up from 29% in 2020). Among Latino and Asian older adults, 59% and 85% respectively will be foreign-born. About 75% will speak a language other than English at home. Geriatric social workers must develop skills to serve these diverse communities.
Job settings for geriatric social workers keep expanding. Most seniors (97%) will stay in their homes rather than move to institutions. These professionals work in many places:
- Hospitals and community health clinics
- Long-term and residential care facilities
- Hospice programs
- Senior centers and assisted living communities
- Home healthcare agencies
- Legal and financial firms dealing with elder issues
California’s push to help seniors age in place continues to transform geriatric social work. This creates valuable opportunities for professionals choosing this specialized career path.
Educational Requirements for California Social Workers
You must follow specific educational paths to become a geriatric social worker in California. A clear understanding of the requirements will help you reach your professional goals effectively.
Bachelor’s degree options and considerations
A bachelor’s degree marks the start of your trip to becoming a geriatric social worker. California doesn’t license bachelor’s-level social workers. However, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) builds a solid foundation for entry-level positions or advanced study.
BSW programs in California prepare students for generalist practice. These programs need about 120 credit hours of coursework. California State University, Los Angeles’s BASW program has 51 units in the social work major plus general education requirements.
Here are the vital factors to think about when choosing a program:
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation is significant. It will give a program that meets national standards and gets recognition for advanced degrees or employment
- BSW programs need 400+ hours of supervised fieldwork experience
- Programs have specialized courses on aging, family dynamics, and cultural competence
BSW graduates can work as case managers, social services specialists, or gerontology social workers. Notwithstanding that, clinical roles and advancement opportunities need further education.
Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in California
Licensed practice in California needs a Master of Social Work—the state doesn’t license bachelor’s degree holders. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences oversees social work licensing. It requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution for both Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials.
MSW programs follow these structures:
- Traditional tracks: 18-36 months, based on full-time or part-time study
- Advanced standing tracks: 9-12 months for BSW holders
- Online options: More available now with similar timeframes
MSW education helps you develop specialist-level skills through theoretical and practical coursework, plus field practicums. Students must choose specialized departments. USC students select either the Department of Social Change and Innovation or the Department of Adult Mental Health and Wellness.
Specializing in gerontology during your education
Your social work education offers many ways to focus on geriatric care. Here are some specialized paths:
Several California universities offer minors or certificates in gerontology at the undergraduate level. Fresno State offers a Minor in Gerontology (15 semester units) and a Gerontological Specialist Certificate. These programs combine core gerontology courses with classes from social work, kinesiology, and family studies.
Graduate students have these specialized options:
- Dual degree programs – USC’s Master of Science in Gerontology prepares leaders in service delivery to older adults while completing social work coursework
- Specialized field placements – The Geriatric Social Work Leadership Internship through the Partners in Care Foundation provides specialized training and stipends for graduate students focusing on gerontology
- Concentration coursework – MSW programs offer gerontology concentrations covering aging processes, elder care policies, and intervention techniques for older adults
A focused gerontology education positions you for growth and advancement in California’s expanding elder care sector.
California LCSW Requirements for Geriatric Practice
The path to becoming an LCSW who specializes in geriatric care goes beyond your MSW degree in California. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) manages a comprehensive licensing process that ensures you can serve elderly patients effectively.
Required coursework specific to elder care
California requires specialized education in aging-related topics for professionals who work with older adults. You need to complete 10 hours of instruction in aging and long-term care that covers:
- Biological, social, cognitive, and psychological aspects of aging
- End-of-life care and grief counseling
- Assessment and treatment of elder/dependent adult abuse and neglect
On top of that, you must take courses in areas that affect geriatric practice: child abuse assessment, human sexuality, substance abuse, spousal/partner abuse detection, suicide risk assessment, and telehealth services.
Supervised experience hours
Once you register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), you’ll need clinical experience under supervision:
- 3,000 supervised hours spread across at least 104 weeks
- A minimum of 2,000 clinical hours with at least 750 hours of face-to-face therapy
- Up to 1,000 non-clinical hours in advocacy, consultation, evaluation, and research
- Regular supervision throughout your training
Remember that these supervised hours must be completed within six years before you apply for licensure. Any hours beyond this timeframe won’t count toward your requirements.
Examination process
After completing your supervised hours, two exams stand between you and your license:
- California Law and Ethics Exam – Shows you know state regulations
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam – Tests your clinical expertise
The BBS typically takes 30 working days to process applications before granting exam eligibility. After passing both exams, submit your Request for Initial Licensure application with the $200 fee.
License maintenance and renewal
Your LCSW license comes with ongoing requirements to keep your skills sharp:
- A $220 renewal fee every two years
- 36 hours of continuing education between renewals
- Six hours must cover law and ethics
- One-time requirements for suicide risk assessment and telehealth
This structured approach helps you build expertise to serve California’s elderly population while upholding professional excellence.
Gaining Practical Experience in Geriatric Settings
Practical experience is the life-blood of becoming an effective geriatric social worker in California. Field placements are a chance to use classroom knowledge and develop skills that employers value.
Internship opportunities during education
The Geriatric Social Work Education Consortium (GSWEC) trains MSW students who want to work in elder care. Eight Southern California schools of social work and twelve non-profit agencies throughout Los Angeles County make up this regional network.
Geriatric social work internships use a unique rotational model. Students work at multiple agencies that serve older adults instead of staying at one location. These rotations help you learn about:
- Mental health services
- Adult health care
- Geriatric management
- Dementia care and caregiver support
- Senior services administration
Students start the GSWEC application process in late fall or early winter by attending university information sessions. You’ll visit agency open houses, meet with potential placement sites, and rank your preferred agencies. Matches happen in May, and internships usually start in fall of your second year.
Entry-level positions in elder care
California’s geriatric social work field offers several starter positions after graduation. BSW graduates can work as case managers, personal care assistants, or home health aides. The California Department of Aging runs the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) that trains adults age 55 and over.
New social workers in geriatric settings handle assessments, crisis intervention, care coordination, and discharge planning. They work under physicians’ supervision while coordinating with treatment teams.
Building a professional network
Your career path in geriatric social work grows stronger with professional connections. The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) membership gives you networking opportunities, career resources, and access to new research.
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) welcomes non-psychiatric professionals, including licensed social workers who specialize in elder care. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides a credentialing center, job bank, career coaching, and continuing education options.
Field placements naturally create networking opportunities as you meet professionals in elder care settings of all types. These connections often lead to job opportunities and mentorships that shape your career as a California geriatric social worker.
Advanced Certifications and Specializations
Getting specialized credentials beyond your license can boost your work with older adults by a lot. These advanced certifications show your expertise and steadfast dedication to geriatric social work.
NASW gerontological certifications
The National Association of Social Workers provides three different credentials for geriatric specialists that match various education levels:
- Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G) – MSW holders need 20 hours of continuing education in gerontology and 2 years (3,000 hours) of supervised experience with older adults
- Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) – MSW graduates must complete 30 hours of post-degree education in aging issues and 2 years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience with older adults
- Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G) – BSW holders should complete 20 hours of continuing education and 3 years (4,500 hours) of experience with older adults
California universities offer several gerontology certificate programs that help meet these requirements. UC Berkeley’s Graduate Certificate in Aging requires 7-9 units of coursework and 120 hours of field experience.
Specialized training for dementia care
Dementia care expertise has become more valuable as California’s senior population continues to grow. The Alzheimer’s Association offers several training programs:
- Dementia Care Aware – A statewide program that gives primary care providers tools for cognitive health assessments
- essentiALZ certification – A recognized dementia care training program (3 hours)
- Multiple recognized training programs from 3-20 hours that boost your dementia care skills
Social workers serve vital roles in supporting people with dementia. Specialized training helps you provide better assessments, counseling, and resource navigation.
Palliative and hospice care credentials
Social workers focusing on end-of-life care can earn two key certifications:
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW) – MSW holders need 20+ continuing education units in hospice care and 2 years of supervised experience
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (CHP-SW) – BSW holders need 20+ continuing education units and 3 years of supervised experience
These credentials validate your specialized knowledge in pain management, symptom management, and family support through end-of-life transitions.
Next Steps
Professionals who serve California’s senior population will find exceptional opportunities in geriatric social work. A BSW or MSW program provides the foundation you need, along with licensing requirements and specialized certifications to boost your expertise.
The field just needs professionals who grasp both technical aspects and human elements of elder care. The right qualifications, practical experience, and advanced certifications will give you the tools to tackle complex challenges that California’s aging population faces.
Success as a geriatric social worker goes beyond academic achievements. Your steadfast dedication to learning, cultural competence, and genuine care for older adults creates lasting impact in their lives. This career path leads to professional growth and brings the reward of supporting seniors through their golden years.
FAQs
Q1. What educational path should I follow to become a geriatric social worker in California? To become a geriatric social worker in California, you’ll need to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program. During your education, focus on gerontology courses and seek internships in elder care settings. After graduation, you’ll need to complete 3,000 supervised hours and pass licensing exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in geriatrics.
Q2. What are the key responsibilities of a geriatric social worker? Geriatric social workers conduct biopsychosocial assessments, develop personalized care plans, coordinate care between healthcare providers, connect seniors to resources, provide counseling, and advocate for clients’ rights. They also need expertise in areas like end-of-life care, dementia, elder abuse, and caregiver support.
Q3. Is geriatric social work a promising career path in California? Yes, geriatric social work is a promising career in California. The state’s senior population is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating that by 2030, nearly 25% of Californians will be older adults. This demographic shift is creating urgent employment opportunities in geriatric social work across the state.
Q4. What advanced certifications can enhance my career as a geriatric social worker? Several advanced certifications can boost your career, including the NASW’s Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G) or Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) credentials. Additionally, specialized training in dementia care and certifications in hospice and palliative care, such as the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW), can further enhance your expertise.
Q5. How can I gain practical experience in geriatric social work? You can gain practical experience through internships during your education, such as those offered by the Geriatric Social Work Education Consortium (GSWEC). After graduation, consider entry-level positions like case manager or personal care assistant. Building a professional network through organizations like the Gerontological Society of America can also lead to valuable opportunities and mentorships in the field.