Nephrology Social Work-Certified (NSW-C) Program

Introduction

Recognizing the need for nephrology social work to be acknowledged as a specialty in the field, the National Kidney Foundation Council of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW) has developed the Nephrology Social Worker credential (NSW-C) certification program. The certification program will establish an industry standard defining what qualifies a nephrology social worker. This will be the first national credentialed classification for nephrology social work in the industry.

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 that you have the 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.

Applicants need to have a minimum of two (2) years experience within a nephrology practice setting to apply for the NSW-C. If approved, the certification will be in effect for three (3) years, at which time the applicant will need to re-apply.

Download Brochure (*PDF 340kb download)

How to Apply

To apply for the credential classification the following documentation is required:

• Applicants must be current CNSW members in good standing
• Current resume/CV (in .doc or .pdf format)
• Copy of current license/certification in the state(s) in which you are practicing (in .pdf or .jpg format)
• Three completed Competency Summaries Download (*PDF 42kb download)
  You will need to download, complete and save on your computer. Three completed forms will need to be uploaded with your application.
  We recommend upgrading to Adobe Reader 9 to enable the save form feature.
  • Two Summaries must be completed by nephrology social workers
  • One Summary can be completed by a non-MSW, however that person must be employed within the field of nephrology (MD, RN, RD)
• Completed CEU Record Download (*PDF 32kb download)
  You will need to download, complete and save on your computer. The completed form will need to be uploaded with your application.
  We recommend upgrading to Adobe Reader 9 to enable the save form feature.
  • Applicants are required to show a total of 20 hours within a two year period. Ten hours must be nephrology related and three hours must be in ethics.
  • The online form provides areas to list Name of Activity and Type, Sponsoring Organization, Description of Content, Dates Attended and CEU Hours Earned

Fees

FIRST TIME Applicant $75.00
RENEWING Applicant $50.00
Incomplete applications will be returned, minus the initial application fee.

Applicants will be notified by email within six to eight weeks. Applications that do not meet qualification criteria will be returned with a letter explaining why the application was denied and applicants will have 30 days to appeal the decision. The appeal process will be outlined in the denial letter.

If you have a question, please contact the NSW-C Board prior to submitting an application at certification@kidney.org.

Frequently Asked Questions about the NSW-C Program

Framing Your Certificate
NKF has partnered with Framing Success to offer a special price on certificate frames. Four unique design options allow for easy, do-it-yourself document insertion. No need to send your certificate! Click here (PDF* download)

To request a paper application, please contact:

National Kidney Foundation
Attn: Professional Membership Manager
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
(800) 622-9010
certification@kidney.org

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