YouTube has become a valuable place for Social Workers to keep learning, with free videos on everything from ethics to new therapy approaches. It’s flexible, on demand, and easy to fit into a busy schedule.

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This guide highlights YouTube channels worth following for Social Work learning, explains how YouTube fits with CE requirements, and shares tips to get the most from video learning.

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Quick answer: YouTube and Social Work CE

  • Great for learning: YouTube offers free, flexible videos on Social Work topics, skills, and research.
  • Not CE credit on its own: watching a video generally doesn’t count toward license renewal. CE credit comes from courses by approved providers that issue a certificate of completion.
  • Channels to try: Agents of Change, UBuffalo Social Work, and Rutgers School of Social Work.
  • Earn credit for free: pair YouTube learning with free, approved CE courses, like 7.5 free CEUs from Agents of Change.

Jump to: Agents of Change · Other Channels · Does YouTube Count for CE? · Tips · FAQs

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1) Agents of Change

The Agents of Change YouTube channel shares videos on Social Work topics, ASWB exam prep, and continuing education, led by Dr. Meagan Mitchell, LICSW.

Resource What You’ll Find
Continuing Education YouTube playlist A playlist of continuing education videos for Social Workers, so you don’t have to search the whole channel
7.5 free CEUs Free ASWB and NBCC-approved courses that earn CE credit with a certificate
Live CE events Live webinars where you can learn, ask questions, and earn CE credit
Continuing education blog Articles on clinical topics, ethics, and CE requirements

2) Other YouTube Channels Worth Following

Schools of Social Work also share videos that can support your ongoing learning.

Channel What It Offers
UBuffalo Social Work The channel of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, which offers MSW, DSW, and PhD programs
Rutgers School of Social Work The channel of the Rutgers School of Social Work, which offers MSW, post-MSW, and continuing education programs

Browse each channel’s recent videos to find topics that fit your practice area, and check video dates to make sure the information is current.

3) Does Watching YouTube Count Toward CE?

Generally, no. Most state boards require CE from approved providers, like ASWB ACE or NBCC-approved providers, and you need a certificate of completion to show what you completed. Watching a video on its own usually doesn’t meet those requirements.

YouTube Videos Approved CE Courses
Cost Free Free or paid, depending on the provider
Counts toward license renewal Usually not Yes, when the provider and course meet your board’s rules
Certificate of completion No Yes
Quality review Varies by creator Reviewed through the provider’s approval process
Best for Exploring topics and refreshing skills Meeting CE requirements and building skills

Check your state’s CE requirements to see what counts, including any limits on online or self-study courses.

4) Tips for Learning on YouTube

Tip How
Check the source Choose channels from schools of Social Work, professional organizations, or licensed professionals.
Check the date Make sure the information reflects current research, laws, and the DSM-5-TR.
Minimize distractions Find a quiet space and silence notifications.
Take notes Write down key points and ideas to apply in your practice.
Rewatch and reflect Pause or replay complex sections, and think about how they apply to your clients.
Organize your learning Save videos to a playlist or Watch Later list, and use playback speed to fit your pace.
Pair videos with CE When a topic interests you, take an approved course on it to go deeper and earn credit.

5) FAQs: YouTube for Social Work Learning

Why use YouTube for Social Work learning?

It’s free, available anytime, and offers a wide range of formats, from short explainers to full lectures and panel discussions. It’s an easy way to explore new topics before committing to a full course.

How do I know if a YouTube video is reliable?

Look for videos from schools of Social Work, professional organizations, or licensed professionals. Check the upload date, read the description for sources, and compare key information with trusted references.

Can I earn free CEUs online?

Yes, through approved providers. Agents of Change Continuing Education offers 7.5 free CEUs from ASWB and NBCC-approved courses, with a certificate you can submit to your board.

6) Conclusion

YouTube is a flexible, free way to keep learning as a Social Worker, but it usually doesn’t replace approved CE for license renewal. Follow channels from trusted sources, use them to explore topics, and pair them with approved CE courses to grow your skills and stay licensed. Explore the course library to get started.

Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education. We’ve helped more than 100,000 Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with exam prep and Continuing Education and want to help you next!


► Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com/continuing-education/

About the Lead Instructor, Dr. Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals for more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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.

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