Social Work and Counseling Technician - Associate in Applied Science

Program Information

Program Status
2 [Active]
Program Code
SOCWRKCOUNSTECH.AAS
Program Name
Social Work and Counseling Technician
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science
Academic Level
Undergraduate
School
Health and Human Services
Department
Counseling

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. 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 will 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 will have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients including the terminally ill, those with AIDS, the developmentally disabled, and geriatric clients. Most health and human services core classes include both classroom and field placement experiences. Field placement experiences occur off-campus.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

  1. Discuss and interpret the history of the social work profession and current mental health issue trends.
  2. Apply the different treatment modalities as appropriate to the role of a social work/counseling technician.
  3. Apply the profession's ethical standards and principles including practice with respect and without discrimination.
  4. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional mental health and social work practices.
  5. Research the various public health services that provide counseling, mental health and social work services.
Assessment of Student Learning
  1. Outcome: Discuss and interpret the history of the social work profession and current mental health issue trends.
    • Courses: Courses: HHS-100, HHS-201, HHS-202
    • Assessment: case studies, field experience reports, projects and activities
  2. Outcome: Apply the different treatment modalities as appropriate to the role of a social work/counseling technician.
    • Courses: HHS-101, HHS-102, HHS-201, HHS-202
    • Assessment: case studies, field experiences, reports, projects and activities
  3. Outcome: Apply the profession's ethical standards and principles including practice with respect and without discrimination.
    • Courses: HHS 100, HHS-101, HHS-102, HHS-201, HHS-202
    • Assessment: case studies, field experience reports, projects and activities.
  4. Outcome: Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional mental health and social work practices.
    • Courses: HHS-101, HHS-102, HHS-201, HHS-202
    • Assessment: case studies, field experience reports, projects and activities.
  5. Outcome: Research the various public health services that provide counseling, mental health and social work services.
    • Courses: HHS-101, HHS-102, HHS-201, HHS-202
    • Assessment: case studies, field experience reports, projects and activities
Mission

To prepare students for work as a technician in a human services career or for transfer to a professional licensure granting program.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements and Eligibility

To participate in all courses with a field experience a student must pass a criminal background check. The following are a list of some of the reasons students will be denied registration into courses with field experience:

  1. A conviction of a felony or conviction of an attempt to commit a felony within fifteen years preceding the start of the program.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

General Education Requirements

Category 3: Mathematics
Complete any one that meets Michigan Transfer Agreement
Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts
Complete any one, not WR
Category 6: Natural Sciences
Complete any one, not BIO
Credit Hours
10.00

See General Education Requirements for details.

Required Courses

Minimum Total Credit Hours
64.00

Other Information

Career Opportunities

Mental Health Technician Social Work Technician Counseling Technician

Expected Program Duration
64
Program Eligible for Financial Aid
Yes
Year Established
2019

Program Dates

Effective Term
Fall 2019
ILT Approval Date
AALC Approval Date
Curriculum Committee Approval Date
HLC Approval Date