LEXINGTON, Ky. — For Johnny Nantz, the path to earning his second graduate degree wasn’t about starting—it was about going deeper.
Already holding a master’s degree in psychology, Nantz was working as a case manager when he began to see the limits of focusing solely on individual behavior and expand his desire for a broader perspective.
“I saw clients who needed more than psychological support,” Nantz said. “They needed someone who could help them navigate complex systems, access services and address underlying issues that were impacted their health and wellbeing.”
With a strong foundation in mental health, Nantz chose UK’s Online Master of Social Work program to expand his clinical skills.
“I wanted additional training that would allow me to continue working and providing therapy,” Nantz said. “The program’s flexibility gave me that opportunity, while also expanding my perspective in areas like policy, ethics, and clinical practice.”
For Nantz, practicum was particularly impactful. It allowed him to integrate his background in psychology with his social work training, helping him begin to shape his clinical identity.
“Practicum reinforced that I am moving in the right direction professionally,” Nantz said. “I was especially proud to apply both my psychology background and social work training to support my clients.”
Now graduating from the program, Nantz is focused on what comes next: continuing to build his clinical experience and working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to help people create meaningful change in their lives,” he said. “Whether it’s through therapy or connecting someone to the right resources, being part of that process is what drives me.”
