Social Work in Health Care (B.A.)

Social Work in Healthcare

Social work in healthcare is always needed when it comes to supporting individuals in coping with physical or mental illness or the need for care. Support for family members also plays a crucial role. This requires broad knowledge and, at the same time, the competence to understand people's individual life situations and problems, as well as their social context within their respective environments. Based on this understanding, appropriate services can be identified or developed. Students learn to conduct complex case analyses, plan individualized support, and critically reflect on their professional practice – always grounded in a sense of social responsibility that considers the individual as a whole.

During the course of study, theoretical knowledge is imparted alongside practical skills essential for the field. The development of a professional attitude is also a central component.

Key Areas

Fundamental knowledge base (e.g., health/illness, mental health, healthcare system, prevention, rehabilitation, etc.)
Systematic analysis of institutions and organizations offering social work services in the healthcare sector
Methods and concepts
Case work
Life situations, living environments, and health
Legal foundations and financing of services
Reflection on the professional role and ethical issues
Health and social policy framework
Quality development

Core content

General fundamentals of social work (including professional and methodological practice, fields of activity, theories, history)
Fundamental scientific principles of social work (including pedagogy, psychology, sociology, health sciences, law)
Basic skills (including professional attitude, reflective thinking, work organization, self-organization)
Program-specific knowledge (including health/illness, mental illness, health care system, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, nursing, case reflection)

Schedule

12Weeks of Theorie

14Weeks of Praxis

3Years of Studies

210ECTS Points

Bachelor of Arts

Career following studies

As a state-certified social worker/social pedagogue, you will find career opportunities in social services that offer and provide assistance to people with illnesses, those in need of care, relatives, and self-help groups in dealing with illness, old age, and disability. These are primarily: statutory health insurance companies, acute care hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, psychiatric clinics, and the public health service.

Teaching staff

In addition to professors of the DHBW Villingen-Schwenningen, lecturers from other universities as well as specially qualified experts from companies and social institutions also provide content from their area of specialization to our students. This ensures that practice-relevant know-how will be taught.

Lecturers