Hey there, dedicated Ohio Social Worker! We know you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of those you serve.

But, let’s face it: keeping up with the ever-changing requirements for license renewal and continuing education can be a tad overwhelming, right? Fear not! We’re here to break it all down for you, making the process as smooth as Ohio’s famous buttery corn.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Ohio’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your free CEUs.

1) The Basics of Social Work Continuing Education and License Renewal in Ohio

What’s the Big Deal with Continuing Education?

Continuing education is more than just a hoop to jump through. It’s about:

• Staying Updated: The world of Social Work is always changing. New research, techniques, and best practices emerge all the time.
• Enhancing Skills: The more you learn, the better equipped you are to serve your clients.
• Networking: These courses often provide opportunities to connect with other professionals in your field.

How Many Hours Do I Need?

For Ohio Social Workers, the magic number is 30. That’s right! You need 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

What Types of Courses Count?

Not all courses are created equal! In Ohio, you’ll want to ensure your courses are approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. They’ve got a list of approved providers and courses to make your life a tad easier.

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

2) Navigating License Renewal in Ohio

Key Renewal Dates

Mark your calendars, folks! In Ohio, Social Work licenses expire every two years. The exact date? It’s based on your original licensure date. So, if you were licensed on July 15th, 2020, you’ll need to renew by July 15th, 2022. And so on!

The Renewal Process

1. Complete Your Continuing Education: Before anything else, make sure you’ve got those 30 hours under your belt.
2. Gather Your Documentation: Keep track of certificates, course descriptions, and other proof of completion. Use this tracker from Agents of Change to make it simple!
3. Hop Online: Head to the Ohio eLicense Portal. Here, you’ll submit your renewal application and pay the associated fee.
4. Wait for Confirmation: Once approved, you’ll receive a new license in the mail. Voila!

Agents of Change Continuing Education also offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses for one low annual fee. We’ve helped thousands of Social Workers with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change.

3) Key Resources for Ohio Social Workers

We’ve compiled a list of resources to make your journey a little less challenging. Save these sites, and you’ll have everything you need!

1. Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board

• Website: https://cswmft.ohio.gov/
• What You’ll Find: This is your go-to for all things related to licensure and continuing education in Ohio. From approved course lists to renewal guidelines, it’s all here.

2. Ohio eLicense Portal

• Website: https://elicense.ohio.gov/
• What You’ll Find: Ready to renew your license? This portal is where you’ll submit your application, pay fees, and track your renewal status.

3. NASW Ohio Chapter

• Website: https://www.naswoh.org/
• What You’ll Find: The National Association of Social Workers’ Ohio chapter offers a plethora of resources, including training events, networking opportunities, and advocacy initiatives.

4. Ohio Social Worker License Verification

• Website: https://elicense.ohio.gov/oh_verifylicense
• What You’ll Find: Need to verify your license or someone else’s? This tool allows you to quickly check the status of any Social Work license in Ohio.

5. Ohio Social Work Schools and Programs

• Website: https://www.naswoh.org/page/238 
• What You’ll Find: If you’re looking to further your education or recommend programs to others, this directory lists accredited Social Work programs throughout Ohio.

6. Ohio Social Work Advocacy and News Updates

• Website: https://www.naswoh.org/news/
• What You’ll Find: Stay updated on the latest news, legislative changes, and advocacy efforts impacting Social Work in Ohio.

4) FAQs – Social Work Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements in Ohio

Q: How do I know if a particular course or workshop qualifies for continuing education credits in Ohio?

A: Great question! Not every course or workshop out there will count towards your continuing education credits. To ensure you’re on the right track:

• Check with the Provider: Most course providers will indicate if their program is approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
• Visit the Board’s Website: The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board maintains a list of approved providers and courses. It’s a handy resource to bookmark!
• When in Doubt, Ask: If you’re unsure, it never hurts to reach out to the board directly. They’re there to help!

ACE-approved courses like those offered by Agents of Change are accepted by Ohio.

Q: I’ve recently moved to Ohio from another state. Can I transfer my previous continuing education credits?

A: The age-old question of reciprocity! Here’s the scoop:

• Reciprocity Isn’t Automatic: Just because you’ve earned credits in another state doesn’t mean they’ll automatically count in Ohio.
• Review the Requirements: Ohio has specific criteria for what qualifies as continuing education. It’s essential to ensure your previous courses align with these standards.
• Submit for Evaluation: If you believe your out-of-state courses meet Ohio’s criteria, you can submit them to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for evaluation. They’ll give you the final word on whether those credits can be transferred.

Need to close a credit gap quickly? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ Online Social Work ACE-approved courses that are valid in Ohio.

Q: What if I earn more than the required 30 hours of continuing education in a two-year period? Can I roll over the extra hours to the next renewal cycle?

A: Overachiever, huh? We love the enthusiasm! Here’s what you need to know:

• Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em: Unfortunately, Ohio doesn’t allow you to roll over extra continuing education hours to the next renewal cycle. So, if you earn 40 hours in a two-year period, only 30 of those will count towards your current renewal.
• Plan Strategically: If you’re nearing the end of your renewal cycle and have already met the 30-hour requirement, you might consider saving any additional courses for the next cycle.

5) Conclusion

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► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers for more than 8 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment