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School of Social Work
Indiana University

Health and Integrated Care

Health social workers are critical to helping individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems. Health social work examines the impact of illness from the medical, psychosocial, and environmental perspectives. Many are drawn to the health practice arena with a desire to support others during a critically challenging period of their lives. Health social work creates a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping others access essential resources during medical crises. Social workers often work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team with other health professionals seeking to improve health outcomes.

The Knowledge You Need

You’ll learn to work with those coping with chronic illness, caregiver stress, grieving and loss, medical ethics, and trauma.  You’ll have a depth of knowledge in healthcare areas, such as acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care facilities.  Effective social work practice in health care settings relies on knowledge and application of evidence-based theories, assessments and interventions.  You will learn to apply advanced knowledge and skills to work with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care. You will be able to conduct bio-psycho-social assessments based on a myriad of disease entities and patient relational dynamics.

You’ll explore the following:

  • The impact of cost and financing for health care.
  • How access to patient care impacts treatment outcomes.
  • Social work practice skills within a medical model.

Social workers in health settings are in demand with an expectation of higher than average job growth. As part of a team seeking to improve health outcomes, social workers have a fulfilling role. Working with individual and families in healthcare settings leads to a sense of purpose in making a meaningful difference.

Focus Area Courses

Students must complete SWK 618, SWK 692, SWK 693, and either SWK 694 or SWK 696.

Fall

  • SWK 692 Practice in Integrated Care Settings
  • SWK 693 Practice with Individuals, Groups & Communities in Healthcare Settings
  • SWK 696 Confronting Loss, Grief, Death and Bereavement

Spring

  • SWK 618 Social Policy & Services, Health (3 cr.)
  • SWK 694 Practice with Older Adults and Their Families

General Elective

Students must also complete one general elective (3 credit hours) from an available social work course. Students who complete both SWK 694 and SWK 696 may use the additional course to satisfy the general elective requirement.

Find your degree pathway!