Health Care

Social workers in health care collaborate with other health professionals in providing patient care and serve to mobilize family, friendships and other supportive networks on the patient’s behalf. They act as a link between health agencies and community services. Social workers in the health field are most likely to work in hospitals or clinics as well as in federal, state and local public health centers, with physicians in private or group medical practices, on home health care teams and/or with nursing home health planning agencies.

Students in this focus area may also center their interests on health and social services for older adults. Social workers in health care are also on the faculties of various medical schools across the country.