Nephrology Social Worker Certification (NSW-C)

Issued by National Kidney Foundation

The certification program will establish an industry standard defining what qualifies a nephrology social worker. Obtaining a NSW-C will distinguish you as a social worker who meets uniform, high standards of excellence within the field of nephrology social work practice and ethics; authenticate your required advanced skills, knowledge and experience beyond that of a Master of Social Work education; and classify you as a social work professional who is committed to nephrology social work.

Type Certification
Level Advanced
Cost Paid

Additional Details

Skills

Earning Criteria

Current Social Worker member of the National Kidney Foundation.
Acquire three (3) Competency Summaries from nephrology professionals who hold an MSW or higher and are familiar with applicant’s work experience, practice, and ethics.
Establish a CEU record showing a total of twenty (20) hours earned within the last two (2) years (new applicants) or showing thirty (30) completed hours within the last (3) years (renewing applicants).
Minimum of two (2) years experience in direct nephrology social work practice and currently employed in a dialysis, transplant, or other nephrology-specific practice setting.
Earn a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from an accredited graduate level social work program and hold current licensure/certification to practice in applicable state(s).
Submit an application to the National Kidney Foundation.

Standards

Standards of Practice for Nephrology Social Work (6th Ed., 2014)

Developed by NKF's Council of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW), this resource provides up-to-date information related to the expanded professional role of the nephrology social worker in various practice settings (early stages of CKD, dialysis, transplant, research).

National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics