BSSW: Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work
Discover How to Help the Aging Population or Serve in a Healthcare Setting with a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree
Healthcare, aging, and medical social work is an ever-growing and ever-evolving field of social work. You can explore the general principles essential for success in social work and develop a deep understanding of the changing needs of the growing aging population with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) – Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work.
Our social work degree with a cognate in aging aims to help equip you to assist older adults with the resources to live independently and maximize their quality of life as well as engage with others and their community. You can learn to view the older adult holistically by acquiring assessment and evaluation skills to address physical, psychological, social, and economic needs. The field of aging is multidisciplinary, and social workers can seek employment in many different areas, including administration, finance, wellness, housing, healthcare, policy, and social/community services.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2030, all baby boomers will be older than age 65, reflective of 1 in every 5 residents at retirement age.* The population will grow more slowly, but age exponentially.* Furthermore, the aging population family dynamics are changing and impacting caregiving for older adults.*
Additionally, a study on childlessness and parenthood among 92.2 million adults aged 55 and older showed 16.5% are childless.** In fact, the prevalence of childlessness is growing among those who are 55-64 as compared to adults in the older age groups, with women at 15% and men at 18.2%.** Based on these statistics, social workers within the area of aging will likely grow in demand as will the positions within healthcare settings.
Social workers employed in medical or healthcare settings possess opportunities to work in diverse medical social work positions, including administration, aging, health, and mental health. Broad employment opportunities can be found across sectors, including private for-profit, private nonprofit, and government at the federal, state, and local levels.
Take the next step toward a career providing care to a wide demographic of people with the Bachelor of Science in Social Work – Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work from Liberty University.
*U.S. Census Bureau, at By 2030, All Baby Boomers Will Be Age 65 or Older (viewed online May 14, 2025).
**U.S. Census Bureau, at Childless Older Americans (viewed online May 14, 2025).
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
CSWE Accredited
Highlights
Highlights of Our Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work Degree Program
Apply What You Study in the Real World
Your education goes beyond the classroom. Through Liberty’s social work program, you can have opportunities to gain hands-on experience that can help prepare you for the realities of working in healthcare, aging services, and medical social work settings.
Explore Field Experience Opportunities
You can build your résumé while still in school by participating in internships and field placements. Whether you’re near Lynchburg, studying from home, joining the Washington Fellowship program, or going abroad, there are flexible ways for you to get real-world experience.
Get Involved in Meaningful Activities
Our Department of Psychology hosts events that give you insight into pressing social justice issues. You’ll also hear directly from professionals in the field who can inspire you to become a compassionate advocate for change.
Connect Through Student Organizations
Joining a club like the Social Work Club can help you grow personally and professionally. It’s a great way to network with classmates, build relationships with professors, and explore your interests in healthcare and social services.
Receive Support Every Step of the Way
At Liberty, we’re committed to your success. You’ll be supported through hands-on learning, a values-driven community, and faculty who care about helping you turn your passion for service into a lifelong career.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a BSSW in Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work Degree?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) – Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Gerontology social worker
- Group home/residential treatment worker
- Healthcare social worker
- Hospital social worker
- Medical social worker
Note: Many states require an MSW to conduct clinically focused work such as crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical therapy, and motivational interviewing. Because requirements for becoming a social worker may vary, be sure to research your state’s licensure requirements for more information.
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our Social Work Program?
Liberty’s BSSW program utilizes current healthcare, aging, and medical social work practice knowledge to provide you with a superior academic experience, including generalized social work practice focused on meeting the needs of diverse populations.
The courses in this cognate can help you increase the cognitive and affective processes necessary for communication, critical thinking, and information literacy. Other types of practice skills you can develop include research for data support and analysis for theoretical models and assessments.
All courses within the BSSW program bring Scripture and a biblical worldview into the curriculum. Through your classes, you can learn how spirituality fits into healthcare and aging. Courses include Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare; Medical Terminology; Social Work with Aging Adults; Religion, Health, and Healthcare; and Medical Social Work Practice.
Our program allows you the opportunity to self-reflect and help meet the needs of the oppressed and the most medically fragile or vulnerable. Cultivating cultural and religious competency is crucial for social workers, particularly in healthcare, to provide effective spiritual care to diverse client groups.
Through field experiences, you have the opportunity to gain practical skills in the field of social work. With our unique approach to the intersection of spiritual care and healthcare, Liberty can help you take the next step toward a career that impacts a large number of lives in tangible ways.
Additional Degree Information
Featured BSSW Courses
BUSI 302 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
SOWK 432 – Social Work with Aging Adults
SOWK 452 – Religion, Health, and Healthcare
SOWK 454 – Medical Social Work Practice
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work – Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work Degree?
Prepare to Make a Christ-Centered Impact
At Liberty University, you can become equipped to serve as a compassionate, knowledgeable social worker guided by a biblical worldview. This program is designed to help you become a servant leader who enhances the lives of individuals, families, and communities — all while living out your faith.
Focus on Healthcare, Aging, and Medical Social Work
Through this specialization, you’ll explore the essential skills needed to support those navigating complex healthcare systems, aging-related concerns, and medical challenges. You can build a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and gain deeper insight into the emotional and cognitive needs of diverse populations.
Study and Grow in a Christian Community
As a residential student, you’ll benefit from Liberty’s supportive, Christ-centered campus environment. You’ll connect in person with professors and peers who share your commitment to faith and service, making your educational journey both academically enriching and spiritually grounded.
Integrate Faith with Professional Practice
Your coursework is designed to weave biblical principles into every aspect of social work training. As you prepare to serve individuals from many backgrounds, you’ll also develop cultural sensitivity, ethical understanding, and the ability to reflect Christ’s love in every professional setting.
Admissions
How Do You Become a BSSW Student?
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.