So you have already earned your bachelor’s degree and have decided to pursue the next stage of academia — the master’s degree. You’re interested in direct practice and helping individuals, families, groups, and communities to improve their well-being and achieve success in areas of their lives where they may be struggling. You may be torn between getting a master’s degree in psychology or in social work, and are wondering what each degree can do for you.
Blog
Explore content produced by Simmons University’s online graduate programs.
The need for professional social workers continues to grow. It’s important to understand the different types of social work — clinical or non-clinical — so that you can make an informed decision about which area of practice is the best fit for you. While both types of social workers are educated at the graduate level, there are key differences.
Most cases of intimate partner violence go unreported for a variety of reasons — including fear, threats, coercion, or a lack of resources to survive without the support of an abuser. Partners may also love or hold a deep attachment to their abuser and make excuses for his or her behavior. Clinicians who identify intimate partner violence early can help prevent lasting emotional or physical injury and save lives.
One faculty member’s quest to empower nurses enrolled in the Nursing@Simmons Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program centers around encouraging students to explore different approaches to care, from data-driven decision-making to the more human aspect of their work. Tanya Cohn, PhD, MEd, RN, knows firsthand that becoming the best in your field requires a deep understanding of the high-tech tools available for research and care.
As the boomer generation becomes senior citizens, the American health care system is bracing for a doubling of the elderly population by the year 2030. The spike in the senior demographic will bring with it a need for caregivers, support professionals, housing accommodations, and technology to consider the unique needs of those moving into their elder years. New models of assisted living facilities, which integrate autonomy with thoughtful care, provide one option forward.
While art therapy is commonly recommended for patients who have survived traumas or are living with chronic conditions, there’s untapped potential for providers in need of restoring well-being or coping with work-related exhaustion.
While most ethnic and racial groups acknowledge that racism and discrimination exist in the U.S., they have differing opinions about the effects on specific communities. SocialWork@Simmons Professor Shari Johnson shares her tips to ensure that discussions about race and discrimination are productive rather than destructive.
Research shows that expanding autonomy for Nurse Practitioners is an effective means of decreasing these costs while simultaneously enabling access to preventive and primary care. Check out the Nursing@Simmons infographic to which states spend more on health care.