Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I am a University of Michigan School of Social Work graduate. How do I apply for a letter recommending me for temporary approval?
  2. If I am not a University of Michigan School of Social Work graduate, can I get a letter recommending me for temporary approval?
  3. Do I have to take all of the school social worker continuing education courses at the University of Michigan School of Social Work?
  4. If I take the continuing education courses but do not have the 500 hours of practice, can I still get an approval letter?
  5. I do not have 500 hours of practice with children and youth. Are there University of Michigan School of Social Work continuing education externship opportunities?
  6. If I sign up for a course, do I need to attend each session?
  7. I plan to practice as a school social worker in a state other than Michigan. Will continuing education classes be applicable toward school social worker approval in other states?

I am a University of Michigan School of Social Work graduate. How do I apply for a letter recommending me for temporary approval?

A: Submit a request for a letter recommending temporary approval.

If I am not a University of Michigan School of Social Work graduate, can I get a letter recommending me for temporary approval?

A: Yes, however you must apply for this letter from your MSW degree-granting institution.

Do I have to take all of the school social worker continuing education courses at the University of Michigan School of Social Work?

A: No, there is an inter-university agreement to accept each other's comparable school social worker training courses.

If I take the continuing education courses but do not have the 500 hours of practice, can I still get an approval letter?

A: No. In order to obtain a letter of approval, social workers must have completed 500 hours of direct social work practice with children, youth, and families either as part of their graduate level field placements or their supervised post graduate practice.

I do not have 500 hours of practice with children and youth. Are there University of Michigan School of Social Work continuing education externship opportunities?

A: No. There are no continuing education externship opportunities at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

If I sign up for a course, do I need to attend each session?

A: Yes. Attendance is mandatory in order to receive continuing education credits and to pursue a letter of recommendation for temporary approval as a school social worker.

I plan to practice as a school social worker in a state other than Michigan. Will continuing education classes be applicable toward school social worker approval in other states?

A: This varies greatly from state to state, as each state has its own training and practice requirements. Additional specifics can be located through Department of Education web sites or school social worker professional organizations.