According to the CSWE’s most recent Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, the 9 Social Work Competencies are listed as such: 

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior 
2. Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
3. Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
5. Engage in Policy Practice
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Learn more about the most important skills needed to succeed as a social worker.

No. Our 2-year MSW program is designed for those without a BSW. 

As long as you’ve earned a non-social work bachelor’s degree earned through an accredited university recognized by the US Department of Education, you can potentially qualify to enroll in our program.

The average salary for a social worker depends on several factors, including where they work, the state in which they practice, how long they have practiced, and chosen specialization.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides average salary estimates for three different types of social workers:* 

• Child, family, and school social workers earn an annual average salary of $62,920 per year ($30.25 per hour) 
• Healthcare social workers earn an annual average salary of $72,030 per year ($34.63 per hour) 
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers earn an annual average salary of $68,290 per year ($32.83 per hour). 

Working as a dental hygienist can be a challenging but rewarding job. Earning your degree in dental hygiene requires organization, communication skills, soft-skills, and problem-solving skills.

As a licensed dental hygienist, you will use these skills as you help patients maintain good oral health.

Yes, you can work while in dental hygiene school, but due to the rigorous program, it is challenging to balance working with courses.  Many students recommend working very limited hours. Each student is unique, so talk with your program advisor on how to balance your classes and study time with any work requirements.

Before starting dental hygiene school, it may be helpful to shadow or interview a dental hygienist. Talking with dental providers is one of the best ways to learn about the dental hygiene field, what typical days are like, and what training is needed.

The highest degree you can earn in the field of dentistry is a doctorate in dentistry – either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD).

A dental hygiene degree is not one of the qualifications needed to apply for dental school. While it’s possible to use your experience as a hygienist to transition into a career as a dentist, you will likely have minimal advantage when applying for dental school.

Typically, it takes between two and four years to become a dental hygienist. Some programs can be completed in 36 months or less, such as Herzing’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program. You can potentially transfer credit from prior college courses to decrease how much time it takes to complete.

The average hourly wage for a dental hygienist is $45.14, according to the BLS. The average annual salary was $93,890.* Pay may vary based on additional factors, such as experience, employer, and the city or state of employment.