Social Work Student Caroline Thompson Explains Why Social Work is Needed Today

“Social work is needed because the world would be lost without it. Social work goes beyond borders/boundaries to care for all people everywhere and provide services/resources for those in need. It is all inclusive and helps the world become a brighter place for everyone. It is in nearly every aspect of our lives if you really think about it.” – Caroline Thompson, BA, MA, MAEd, a Chamberlain University Master of Social Work (MSW) program student and school counselor for 6th through 12th graders in Nevada

Caroline now provides her students with basic hygiene necessities, clothing and snacks as well as a list of community referral services for their families. As a future social worker, she hopes to provide a “healthy balance” to school counselors and staff to help students be their best selves.

"'Social work' means caring and valuing humans – the sanctity of human life. When we can provide that level of human interaction to all mankind, it shows others that there are people who truly care and value them for who they are.” Caroline joined the MSW program last year because she believes everyone at Chamberlain goes the “extra mile” to “provide that human touch that is missing in many educational institutions. The support is wonderful, and I feel they care about their students.”

Giving Back to the Children

Outside of school and work, Caroline Steps Forward by helping anyone with health-related issues. She has volunteered with Feed my Starving Children, worked as a community guide for United Way Project Homeless Connect, and has served on a juvenile justice panel and local college board. 

“I think I can make an impact by working with students and families to effect a positive change in some of them. Whenever the tiniest change takes effect and I see it, it makes me feel I’ve made a difference.”

Chamberlain's MSW Program

One year ago, Chamberlain University launched its MSW program within the College of Health Professions, debuting the first round of classes in September 2019. The degree program offers two tracks – traditional and advanced standing – and prepares students for both generalist and specialized practice. Highlights of the program include:

• Small class sizes to foster faculty-student relationships
• Online coursework available 24/7
• Opportunity to complete in as few as one to two years, depending on prior preparation
• Engagement through video, podcast, case studies and simulations taught by expert faculty
• Nurturing faculty who understand it takes a special person to pursue a career in the social-work field
• Customized fieldwork practicum opportunities based on interests and goals
• Specializations in:
  • Military Social Work
  • Substance Use and Addictions
  • Medical Social Work
  • Crisis and Response Interventions
  • Gerontology
  • Trauma

The MSW program is led by a diverse group of colleagues who serve as thought leaders and experts in the social-work field including Stacey Borasky Ferguson, EdD, MSW, dean; Amanda Morgan-Henry, MSW, LCSW-C, director; Linda Quast, MS, MBA, PMP, faculty manager; and Oren Shtayermman, PhD, MSW, professor.

By Heather L Hurtado