Best institutions to study Clinical/Medical Social Work
A program that prepares individuals for the specialized professional practice of social work, in collaboration with other health care professionals, in hospitals and other health care facilities and organizations.
53 U.S. institutions graduated 3,398 Clinical/Medical Social Work students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.1503, a specialization of Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15), and leads most directly to the Healthcare Social Workers occupation (BLS SOC 21-1022).
About Clinical/Medical Social Work programs
A program that prepares individuals for the specialized professional practice of social work, in collaboration with other health care professionals, in hospitals and other health care facilities and organizations. Includes instruction in social work, psychiatric case work, clinical interviewing techniques, therapeutic intervention strategies, patient testing and evaluation, patient and family counseling, social rehabilitation, patient care planning, record-keeping, and support services liaison.
See also: 44.0701 - Social Work.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Clinical/Medical Social Work program prepares individuals for specialized professional practice in social work, focusing on collaboration with healthcare professionals in various settings, including hospitals and healthcare organizations. This program is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in mental and social health services, addressing the needs of patients and their families.
Students in this program acquire essential skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing. Coursework covers topics such as psychiatric case work, therapeutic intervention strategies, patient evaluation, and counseling techniques, equipping graduates to effectively support clients in their recovery journeys.
Credentials awarded
What Clinical/Medical Social Work graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree2,527 graduates / yr · 33 institutions74%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate458 graduates / yr · 6 institutions14%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year127 graduates / yr · 5 institutions3.7%
- Bachelor's degree126 graduates / yr · 4 institutions3.7%
- Associate's degree90 graduates / yr · 9 institutions2.6%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years41 graduates / yr · 4 institutions1.2%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship24 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.7%
- Post-master's certificate5 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Clinical/Medical Social Work completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 849 |
| 2013 | 834 |
| 2014 | 1,198 |
| 2015 | 1,175 |
| 2016 | 1,176 |
| 2017 | 1,522 |
| 2018 | 1,685 |
| 2019 | 1,818 |
| 2020 | 2,060 |
| 2021 | 2,534 |
| 2022 | 2,864 |
| 2023 | 3,188 |
| 2024 | 3,296 |
| 2025 | 3,398 |
Top 50 institutions for Clinical/Medical Social Work, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capella University Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitMaster's | 450 | 20% | $19,369 | — |
| 2 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicPost-degree cert. | 388 | 71% | — | — |
| 3 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FLPublicMaster's | 383 | 86% | — | — |
| 4 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicMaster's | 218 | 85% | — | — |
| 5 | New Mexico Highlands University Las Vegas, NMPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 166 | 26% | — | $34,750 |
| 6 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FLPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 144 | 63% | — | — |
| 7 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicMaster's | 132 | 81% | — | — |
| 8 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Metro San Juan, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 115 | 39% | $10,446 | — |
| 9 | University of West Florida Pensacola, FLPublicMaster's | 112 | 59% | — | — |
| 10 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, NCPublicMaster's | 105 | 44% | — | — |
| 11 | University of South Dakota Vermillion, SDPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 100 | 60% | — | $41,191 |
| 12 | Florida International University Miami, FLPublicMaster's | 84 | 74% | — | — |
| 13 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 79 | 40% | — | $29,954 |
| 14 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicMaster's | 74 | 75% | — | — |
| 15 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicMaster's | 73 | 58% | — | — |
| 16 | Central Community College Grand Island, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 73 | 48% | — | — |
| 17 | Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 49 | — | — | — |
| 18 | University of Southern Indiana Evansville, INPublicMaster's | 49 | 48% | — | — |
| 19 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Carolina Campus Carolina, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 49 | 34% | $8,847 | — |
| 20 | Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Portales, NMPublicBachelor's | 42 | 45% | — | $40,645 |
| 21 | Utica University Utica, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 42 | 56% | $20,237 | — |
| 22 | Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NEPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 41 | 29% | — | — |
| 23 | University of the Pacific Stockton, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 38 | 69% | $23,964 | — |
| 24 | University of Mississippi University, MSPublicMaster's | 38 | 72% | — | — |
| 25 | University of North Florida Jacksonville, FLPublicMaster's | 32 | 69% | — | — |
| 26 | University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MSPublicMaster's | 26 | 49% | — | — |
| 27 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, ALPublicMaster's | 23 | 64% | — | — |
| 28 | University of Memphis Memphis, TNPublicPost-degree cert. | 23 | 51% | — | — |
| 29 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - Ponce Ponce, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 21 | 49% | $13,112 | — |
| 30 | University of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, MDPublicPost-degree cert. | 20 | — | — | — |
| 31 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicPost-degree cert. | 16 | 67% | — | — |
| 32 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAssociate's | 14 | 38% | — | $25,644 |
| 33 | Yeshiva University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 14 | 83% | $39,696 | — |
| 34 | Harcum College Bryn Mawr, PAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 14 | 44% | $27,244 | — |
| 35 | Seattle Central College Seattle, WAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 32% | — | — |
| 36 | University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 13 | 56% | $18,930 | — |
| 37 | Fairfield University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 12 | 84% | $36,845 | — |
| 38 | Indiana State University Terre Haute, INPublicMaster's | 11 | 43% | — | $37,268 |
| 39 | Central Texas College Killeen, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 11% | — | — |
| 40 | Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CTPublicMaster's | 10 | 48% | — | — |
| 41 | Grand View University Des Moines, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 54% | $20,840 | — |
| 42 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OHPublicPost-degree cert. | 10 | 52% | — | — |
| 43 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo Arecibo, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 54% | $10,179 | — |
| 44 | Spokane Falls Community College Spokane, WAPublicBachelor's | 9 | 32% | — | $45,849 |
| 45 | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Mayaguez, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 40% | $10,234 | — |
| 46 | Simmons University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 7 | 72% | $24,848 | — |
| 47 | Institute for Clinical Social Work Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 6 | — | — | — |
| 48 | Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 69% | $25,896 | — |
| 49 | Santa Fe Community College Santa Fe, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 23% | — | — |
| 50 | Nebraska Indian Community College Macy, NEPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 22% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions field (CIP 51.15) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 27 states & territories
Where Clinical/Medical Social Work graduates come from. Each state links to all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-1022, Healthcare Social Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Clinical/Medical Social Work program can pursue careers as Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, and other related professions. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 7.7% and approximately 18,400 annual openings. The median wage for these professionals is $68,090, typically requiring a Master's degree for entry.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.1503
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Healthcare Social Workersprimary SOC 21-1022 | $67,880 | +7.7% Faster than average | ~18,400 | Master's degree |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers SOC 21-1023 | $60,280 | +9.7% Much faster than average | ~13,500 | Master's degree |
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1113 | $77,570 | +2.3% About as fast as average | ~1,300 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors SOC 21-1011 | — | — | — | — |
Mental Health Counselors SOC 21-1014 | — | — | — | — |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Clinical/Medical Social Work programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises.
- Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.
- Refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness and to provide access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement or education.
- Utilize consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate client or patient care and rehabilitation, following through to ensure service efficacy.
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
Tools and technology used
Other Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15).
- Mental Health Counseling/CIP 51.1508
Counselor 12,033 graduates / yr305 institutions - Substance Abuse/CIP 51.1501
Addiction Counseling 6,319 graduates / yr387 institutions - Marriage and Family Therapy/CIP 51.1505
Counseling 4,547 graduates / yr138 institutions - Mental and Social Health Services and Allied ProfessionsCIP 51.15993,932 graduates / yr111 institutions
- Psychiatric/CIP 51.1502
Mental Health Services Technician 2,776 graduates / yr77 institutions - Community Health Services/CIP 51.1504
Liaison/ Counseling 2,189 graduates / yr102 institutions - Genetic Counseling/CIP 51.1509
Counselor 402 graduates / yr36 institutions - Clinical Pastoral Counseling/CIP 51.1506
Patient Counseling 217 graduates / yr18 institutions - Trauma CounselingCIP 51.1513214 graduates / yr17 institutions
- Psychoanalysis and PsychotherapyCIP 51.1507limited data10 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Medical Family Therapy/CIP 51.1511
Therapist limited data7 graduates / yr2 institutions - Hospice and Palliative CareCIP 51.1512limited data5 graduates / yr2 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Infant/
Toddler Mental Health Services51.1510
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs →
Common questions
What degree do I need to pursue a career in Clinical/Medical Social Work?+
A Master's degree is typically required for most positions in this field.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in communication, critical thinking, active listening, and counseling.
What is the job outlook for Clinical/Medical Social Workers?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 7.7%.
How many colleges in the U.S. offer this program?+
There are 53 colleges in the U.S. that offer the Clinical/Medical Social Work program.
What is the CIP code for Clinical/Medical Social Work?+
Clinical/Medical Social Work is CIP 51.1503 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals for the specialized professional practice of social work, in collaboration with other health care professionals, in hospitals and other health care facilities and organizations. Includes instruction in social work, psychiatric case work, clinical interviewing techniques, therapeutic intervention strategies, patient testing and evaluation, patient and family counseling, social rehabilitation, patient care planning, record-keeping, and support services liaison.
How many institutions offer Clinical/Medical Social Work programs?+
53 U.S. institutions reported Clinical/Medical Social Work graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 27 states & territories, awarding 3,398 credentials in the year. That is 9.4% of all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions graduates.
How much do Clinical/Medical Social Work graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Healthcare Social Workers occupation, which Clinical/Medical Social Work most directly leads to, pays a median of $67,880 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions field report median earnings of $37,268 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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