Curious About Earning an Online MSW Degree From Chamberlain? Meet MSW Graduate Alaine Aipoalani.

After Alaine Aipoalani contacted Chamberlain University for information about earning a degree, her academic and career path took a surprising and welcome turn.

“When I originally researched Chamberlain, I was looking into the nursing program … and then things kind of changed,” she said. “A Chamberlain advisor reached out and asked, have you ever thought about social work? And honestly, I had not. But when she described all the different things you can do with a social work degree, I realized that social work was definitely for me. I finished the online Master of Social Work (MSW) program in April of 2023, and my commencement was August of 2023.”

We spoke with Aipoalani recently to learn more about her Chamberlain journey to a master’s degree and a social work career.

Why did you decide to become a social work professional?

My background is a little different from other people and other colleagues that I went through the MSW program with. I actually have a medical background. I got my bachelor's degree in 2008 in emergency medical services. I worked as a paramedic for about six years, and then I transitioned into the hospital setting and worked as a cardiac technician, doing cardiac monitoring, EKGs and stress tests. When the pandemic hit, I was able to witness the downfalls of the medical system.

People ask me, "Why did you decide to pursue a social work career?" I really just wanted to help those who I witnessed firsthand having difficulties getting access to medical care, access to care after their hospital stays, and accessing resources in the community to help them through the pandemic. So, I guess you could say the pandemic really pushed me into the social work field.

How would you describe the role of a social work professional?

When people who aren't familiar with social work ask me, “What exactly do you do?” I take pride in being able to tell them that social work is such a dynamic field. We are able to help in all different kinds of systems, including the medical system, the school system, the court system, etc.

I really think that the role of a social worker is essentially to be there for others. To help improve human life and to help other human beings get their basic needs fulfilled, which is a major thing needed in our society today. And I think that’s pretty much the basis of what the role of a social worker is — to truly help others.

What do you believe is the most fulfilling part about being a social worker?

I think the most fulfilling part about being a social worker is just witnessing the impact that you can have on other people. We, as social workers, really are the people that others rely on. And I think that it is amazing that I am able to use what I've learned through Chamberlain’s social work program and help other people, and truly feel great about what I’m doing for my community and other human beings.

What made Chamberlain’s MSW program stand out as you explored different options?

As I was researching schools, I loved Chamberlain’s environment. I loved the fact that even though it was online, everyone was so helpful, beginning with the application process. … That's one of the things that really stood out about Chamberlain compared to other MSW programs. It was just the feeling of being welcomed and being encouraged to pursue the social work program. And I knew that it was going to be a good fit for me pretty much immediately.

In one word, how would you describe the culture in Chamberlain’s MSW online program?

When I think of a word to describe Chamberlain’s online MSW program, I really lean toward the word nurturing. I had such a great experience with colleagues, professors, financial advisors and student academic support advisors. I think that Chamberlain does a great job of building a connection within their community. I really think that they nurture their students, and they help their students grow and evolve into great social workers and just great people in general.

What does it mean to you to be part of the Chamberlain community?

When I think about being connected to the Chamberlain community, it just makes me feel happy. It makes me feel loved. It's kind of crazy to use those terms because I did my program entirely online. So, I've never actually physically met any of my professors or any of my colleagues. Yet that didn't seem to make a difference in the experience that I had. I really feel connected to the people I went through the program with, and to all my professors. I really just feel grateful that even though everything was online, Chamberlain was able to really make this experience feel like a great big community.

How did your Chamberlain community help to set you up for success?

It was really just having professors that really, truly cared about me. After the program was over, a lot of them reached out and said, “If you need any letters of recommendation, or if you have any career questions, just please call me. It doesn't matter if you're finished with the program, I'm always available.” And I really, really appreciated that. It was amazing to me that professors still care about you even after you finished the program, and that is one of the wonderful things about Chamberlain.

What advice would you give to future students looking to earn an MSW degree at Chamberlain?

Some advice that I would give to future students who are looking to pursue an MSW degree at Chamberlain is to simply just do it. It was the best experience for me. I cannot tell you how helpful all of the professors are. They reach out to you on an individual basis and are always available via text or email. … I just can’t get over how amazing all of my instructors were, and I think that future students should know that, and should know that Chamberlain really does set you up with people who want you to succeed.

Learn More About Earning an MSW Online

Chamberlain’s online MSW degree program can help prepare you for a social work career in generalist or specialized practice. Chamberlain offers focused learning in three specialty tracks — Crisis and Response Interventions, Trauma and Medical Social Work — as well as a Design Your Own Focus option. Students entering the program have the option to customize their curriculum by selecting courses that apply to how they want to practice in the social work field. With coursework that is 100% online, you can log on and study when and where it’s convenient for you.

Chamberlain’s master’s in social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which means its curriculum meets or exceeds standards for social work education. And a degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program academically prepares you to pursue licensure.

Chamberlain’s admission representatives are available to answer questions and help you get started. A great first step is to request information online.  Let Chamberlain’s supportive network of faculty and staff members help prepare you to make an impact in your community and empower future generations of social work professionals.

Learn more about how Chamberlain University celebrates National Social Work Month. 
 

Chamberlain University, an accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

Chamberlain University’s Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation, https://www.cswe.org. 
Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (https://www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
 

By Chamberlain University