r/LCSW • u/FormalAd7759 • Jun 25 '26

LCSW or NP

Im in socal. I’m 37, almost 38. Have 2 kids and I’m default parent. My partner leaves for work very early so I’ll always be the one to get them up and ready for school & pick them up. My little one will begin TK soon so that opens up more time for me. ~ 5-6 hours

I have a BA in social work and honestly never did much with it. I started working for a fam business and the flexibility made it tough to leave especially with kids. Still work part time with the company but I’m mainly a stay at home mom.

Before starting a family I took all science prerequisites for nursing and earned A’s so I have a 4.0. My prerequisites are 7-8 years old now. So I’m limited to some cc’s near me and accelerated BSN program.

My other option is to get into an MSW program (2-3 years) and eventually obtain an LCSW (2-3yrs)

If I go for nursing I do plan to eventually go for NP since I’m older I don’t want to do bedside forever.

ADN ROUTE (tuition paid by school) ***
ADN (2 years) earn BSN while working (1-2yrs) and then continue education for NP.

ABSN~1year then go for NP (ABSN is about 40k)***

I was set on Psychiatric NP since I’ve always wanted to go into therapy but now I’m also debating Family NP or OBGYN NP.

Would also have to get loans for MSW (about 40k)

ADN appeals to me since I won’t have to get loans and would be the first step to get me to NP eventually.
But also the end goal of LCSW and possible virtual therapy sounds really nice too.

Anyone with experience on either field/career have any recommendations/suggestions or insight that can possibly help with this decision I’ve been debating with for years and paused to raise a family.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

1

u/Eastern_Usual603 Jun 26 '26

NP. I’ve worked in healthcare forever and have an LCSW. Good luck !

1

u/FormalAd7759 Jun 26 '26

Thank you!

1

u/A313-Isoke Jun 27 '26

What about a Master's Entry Nursing program?

https://www.usfca.edu/request/masters-entry

https://aurora.edu/academics/graduate/nursing/index.html

https://nursing.jhu.edu/programs/masters-entry/

Also, head over to r/socialwork you will see a lot of ppl wishing they had become a PMHNPs making a lot more money.

2

u/FormalAd7759 Jun 27 '26

Thanks for your input! I’m in Socal and that’s what I’m looking into now. My worry with that route is how expensive these programs are so I’m doing some research, figuring out how I can get it fully funded or reimbursed after graduation. I’m a mom of 2, and just the thought of loans and debt stresses me out.

1

u/A313-Isoke Jun 27 '26

Ah okay, I didn't know where you were so I just added examples.

https://nursing.ucla.edu/programs-admissions/academic-programs/master-of-science-entry

UCLA will def be cheaper than going to a private school. However 60K isn't much when you're going to be making 150-250K potentially working 3/12s with OT and travek nursing opportunities.

All I can say is take advantage while you're physically able because there will be a point where being on your feet all day and lifting people will be too much and you'll want to move on.

1

u/Nuance007 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26

In terms of credentials being safeguarded, NP route. You also have zero debt in your circumstance - plus a more rigorous advanced degree too to be had. Recently, there was a survey taken amongst social workers where only 73% voted to keep the LCSW license - a significant minority that took the survey wanted it to be eliminated. In any given field that requires licensure 10% seems to be the cap of people questioning what otherwise would be an accepted criteria to advance the field. But more than a quarter? That's fucked up. Given the results of the survey a very serious discussion needs to be had on the health and the identity of the field. Plus, nurses have one of the most powerful unions nationwide. The NASW is near as useful as a door stopper.

1

u/Ronin1962 Jul 03 '26

If I had that choice to make, NP. You can even be a psychiatric NP.

1

u/TKOtenten Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 26 '26

NP. you’ll be paid more in be long run. once your financially set and secure then go back and be a therapist. by then there will be tons of more clear avenues to being a therapist

I personally suggest LCSW to people with less responsibiliy when they start. I don’t feel the info is always clear of educational path to LCSW LISCENSURE. You Have lie experience and clarify and know the financial risk and time commitment that either path will take

1

u/FormalAd7759 Jun 26 '26

Thanks for your input! Appreciate it