Minnesota University Wants to Help Solve Social Worker Shortage

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Colleges and universities are responding to the shortage of social workers by launching or expanding course offerings. A Minnesota campus is  planning such a move.

Imagine you or a loved one are going through a personal struggle and need some guidance or counseling from a trained professional. Health experts say too many people in those situations are having a hard time accessing social workers, including for mental health needs. The labor shortage is prompting beefed-up academic programs to turn out a new wave of workers. Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall is proposing a new master’s program for the field.

Ross Wastvedt, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at the university, said it is clear the demand is there.

“The need is all over but it’s particularly acute in rural areas where there are just more barriers to professional training and licensure,” Wastvedt explained.