Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Lim, Caroline. Ph.D., MSW
Abstract
Background: Research has focused on understanding the barriers to financial stability, higher education, and access to healthcare among undocumented immigrants but less efforts have been geared towards identifying the obstacles they face in obtaining professional licensure. This exploratory study sought to identify the structural barriers to professional licensure for undocumented students in higher education. Methods: Qualitative data were collected on the licensing requirements of behavioral health careers in California. Using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administrations determination of behavioral health careers, specific professions were identified. The requirements for professional licensure were extracted from each profession’s official website. These data were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed to derive descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) on the requirements for licensure. Results: Five behavioral health careers were included in this study: Psychologist, social work, marriage and family therapist, physician assistant, and registered nurse practioner. Data were gathered on five categories: educational requirements, experience requirements, examination requirements, fingerprint and background check, and application requirements. Within these requirements include the minimum education requirement, hours needed for practicum, post degree requirements, the need for Live Scan, BreEZe account requirements, and social security number (SSN) request. The findings suggest that a significant challenge for undocumented students seeking professional licensure in California’s higher education system is the completing post degree supervised hours which can range from 2,000 to 3,000 hours, unpaid. Conclusion: Undocumented students aspiring to obtain professional licensure in California may face challenges because of the requirement for an SSN. To enhance the chances of securing professional licensure for undocumented students, behavioral health professionals could consider replacing the SSN with ITIN for payment opportunities and for all identification requirements.
Recommended Citation
Garcia, Itzayana J., "The Structural Barriers in Occupational Licensing for Undocumented Students" (2025). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2155.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2155