Program Info
Program Description
Provides knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to work in a wide variety of health and human service agencies as assistants to licensed professionals or transfer to a university to pursue a Bachelor's degree. Areas of pursuit, either as a technician or through transfer for additional studies and potential licensure, include social work, counseling, special education, substance abuse, gerontology, and human resource development. Students may participate at a supervised field experience in cooperation with mental health agencies including mental health clinics, drug and alcohol abuse centers, special education facilities and programs, community action programs, public assistance offices, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and residential care programs. Students in the technician pathway have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients including the terminally ill, those with AIDS, the developmentally disabled, and geriatric clients.
- Discuss and interpret the history of the social work profession and current mental health issue trends.
- Apply the different treatment modalities as appropriate to the role of a social work/counseling technician.
- Apply the profession's ethical standards and principles including practice with respect and without discrimination.
- Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional mental health and social work practices.
- Research the various public health services that provide counseling, mental health and social work services.
Mental Health Technician
Social Work Technician
Counseling Technician
In social work, exposure to infectious diseases may be minimal to moderate depending on the work setting. This is an occupational risk. Proper education and strict adherence to well established infection control guidelines, can further reduce the risk.
Admission Requirements
Health Appraisal
Potential students must have an interest in working with the ill and disabled. Good physical strength, observation skills, and communication skills are just some of the abilities required for this job. A more detailed sample job profile is available through the Health Careers Office 313-845-9877. Each student must pass a basic physical examination prior to prior to the start of clinical (may include checking blood titers for immunity, vaccinations required by health care community, tuberculosis screening). Any students requesting special accommodations for program admission and progression should contact the Assisted Learning Office at 313-845-9617.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
Consistent with Section 20173 of the Michigan Public Health Code and the requirements of our clinical affiliates, a Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen clearance (on first test) is required for all students in SWK program prior to beginning clinical assignments. The cost for this test is in addition to the basic tuition and fee schedule. For questions regarding this policy, contact the Health Careers Office.
The following are a list of some of the reasons students will be denied registration into courses with field experience, based on the criminal background check:
- A conviction of a felony or conviction of an attempt to commit a felony within fifteen years preceding the start of the program.
- A conviction of a misdemeanor involving abuse, neglect, assault, battery, or criminal sexual conduct, or involving fraud or theft, within fifteen years preceding the start of the program.
- A conviction of a misdemeanor within five years preceding the start of the program.
In order to obtain certification students must also meet all state requirements at State of Michigan Licensing and Regulations
Students who are not cleared for clinical through the health appraisal, criminal background check and have not passed the drug screen on the first test will not be able to complete the SWK program.
CPR
Students must maintain a valid American Heart Association (AHA), Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider card throughout the Clinical Externships. May be fulfilled by taking AH-105: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
General Education
See General Education for Transfer Degrees for details.
Program Requirements
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG-131: Introduction to College Writing | 3.00 |
| ENG-132: College Writing and Research | 3.00 |
| PSY-131: Introductory Psychology | 3.00 |
| SPC-131: Fundamentals of Speaking | 3.00 |
| PSY-253: Lifespan Development | 3.00 |
| SOC-131: Introduction to Sociology | 3.00 |
| WR-131: Religious Traditions in the World | 3.00 |
| PSY-251: Abnormal Psychology | 3.00 |
Computer Technology: Complete one |
3.00 |
| Social Work and Counseling degree pathways
Please choose one of the following options to complete your degree. The University option is for students planning to transfer to a University to complete a Bachelor of Social Work or Counseling, please refer to articulation agreements for Universities. The Technician option is for student planning to become a Social Work Technician as either a Limited Social Service Technician (LSST) or Registered Social Service Technician (RSST).
|
5.00 |