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Human Services

Career/Program Overview

RCTC’s Human Services major is designed to prepare students for a variety of entry-level careers in human services areas. Graduates of the program will provide health care, treatment, rehabilitation, and behavioral direction for individuals or groups of clients. The major employment areas are in the fields of mental health, disabilities, and addiction. The program provides individuals with practical training in mental health, chemical health, and disabilities fields. Individuals may also enter the program to continue their education, to gain knowledge of new developments and techniques, or to obtain career advancement. As Associate in Science degree can be earned upon completion of the Human Services professional curriculum and the required general education courses.

Curriculum-at-a-Glance

Depending on the option selected, coursework may include: Medication Administration for Unlicensed Personnel, Introduction to Human Services, Health Issues, Therapeutic Techniques, Mental Health Disorders for HST Workers, Chemical Dependency Theory, Developmental Disability Theory and Nursing Assistant Theory and Clinical. Students obtain direct care skills through three field experience rotations.

Program/Degree Options

RCTC offers five program options in the field of Human Services. Students may complete a 36-credit Diploma as a Human Services Technician or a 60-credit Associate in Science Degree as a Human Services Specialist. The three certificate options consist of 11 credits each: Chemical Health Assistant, Developmental Disabilities Assistant, and Mental Health Assistant.

Program Start Date(s)

Students can enroll on a part-time or full-time basis and may begin the program either fall or spring semester.

Career Opportunities/Information

Wide arrays of career opportunities exist in the mental health, disabilities and addiction fields. A number of working environments are available and include such settings as: halfway houses, group homes, public schools, community programs, residential settings, treatment programs and day programs. Job titles and descriptions vary depending upon the employment setting but include such titles as case coordinator, residential manager, direct care staff, human services technician and case aide.

Gainful Employment Programs

Gainful employment programs are those “that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.”

RCTC gainful employment information for Human Services Technician Diploma:
http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/ge/HUMSERV.pdf

Accreditations/Articulations

Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission:  A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Associate in Science Human Services articulates with Winona State University's Bachelor in Social Work. Students need to contact WSU for the specific admission requirements for the Social Work Program.

For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/articulations

Additional Information:

Program Plan: http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/programs

Request Program Information

Updated: October 24, 2012