Healthcare Social Workers
Healthcare social workers help patients and families cope with serious, chronic, or terminal illnesses by providing counseling, information, and referrals to support services. They work in hospitals, clinics, hospices, and other healthcare settings, often serving as a bridge between patients and available resources. The role includes case management and advising family caregivers on how to support patients through difficult health challenges.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against healthcare social workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A healthcare social worker might begin the day by meeting with a newly diagnosed cancer patient to assess psychosocial needs and discuss coping strategies. Later, they conduct a home visit to evaluate an elderly patient's living situation and arrange meal delivery services. They spend time consulting with a family about hospice options, reviewing medical records to understand patient history, coordinating with nursing staff about discharge planning, and documenting case notes. The work involves balancing direct patient contact with administrative and coordination responsibilities.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel in this work if you're drawn to understanding people's circumstances and motivations (investigative) while wanting to help others navigate difficult situations (social). You're comfortable gathering information, asking probing questions to understand complex problems, and then connecting people with practical solutions and support systems.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $75,360 | $94,100 | $107,500 | 420 |
| California | $67,630 | $89,660 | $118,740 | 17,690 |
| Hawaii | $70,500 | $85,420 | $96,190 | 660 |
| Oregon | $67,170 | $84,350 | $101,640 | 2,320 |
| New Jersey | $68,090 | $82,690 | $99,530 | 4,310 |
| Vermont | $72,050 | $81,140 | $100,520 | 250 |
| Connecticut | $66,290 | $79,900 | $96,470 | 1,650 |
| Washington | $59,690 | $78,570 | $98,990 | 5,180 |
| Nevada | $63,460 | $78,470 | $86,610 | 1,160 |
| New Hampshire | $70,530 | $78,260 | $89,750 | 590 |
| Utah | $63,370 | $78,150 | $94,110 | 1,750 |
| Maryland | $55,660 | $76,440 | $85,150 | 4,750 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Bachelors Social Work Licensing Examination — Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
- Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination — Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
- Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) — National Association of Social Workers
- Masters Social Work Licensing Examination — Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
- Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) — American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work
- Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW) — National Association of Social Workers
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against healthcare social workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-1022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.