The Behavioral Health Support (AAS) degree provides students with approximately 18 credit hours of general education courses and 48 credit hours of program-related courses designed to prepare you for the role of Community Support Specialist. The coursework includes both lecture and hands-on clinical practicum experiences. As a BHS student you will apply concepts learned in the classroom to real-world situations within the behavioral health support professions. Students will become familiar with the many roles and functions of behavioral health support workers and emerge as trained professionals. The fully online program can be completed with flexibility to do course work on your schedule. The program offers a schedule that can fit any need.
First Year
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BH201 | Intro to Behavioral Health Support | 3 |
| BT160 | Microcomputer Apps | 3 |
| BH230 | Systems of Care & Support | 3 |
| PY121 | General Psychology | 3 |
| EN101 | English I | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PY233 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| BT130 | Business Communication | 3 |
| BH250 | Evidence Based Treatments | 4 |
| BH231 | Integrated Behavioral Health | 3 |
| BH241 | Substance Use Disorders | 3 |
| Total | 16 | |
Second Year
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BH211 | Ethical and Legal Issues in Behavioral Health | 3 |
| BH280 | **Clinical Practicum I | 4 |
| BH285 | Clinical Encounters I | 3 |
| PY230 | *Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SP175 | Speech Communications OR | |
| SP220 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| Total | 16 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MT110 | Intermediate Algebra or Higher | 3 |
| BH290 | **Clinical Practicum II | 4 |
| BH251 | Family and Youth Issues | 3 |
| BH295 | Clinical Encounters II | 3 |
| HI103 | *American History to 1877 or | |
| HI104 | American History Since 1877 or | |
| PL216 | *National Government | 3 |
| Total | 16 | |
Please see your advisor or the NCMC Academic Catalog for specific course choices in each area.
- Dual credit/Transfer credit – This plan is designed for students with no dual or transfer credit. Consider any prior college credit to avoid repeating coursework. We will need official transcripts for these courses.
- Developmental Studies – This plan assumes that the student does not need to take Developmental Studies courses. Placement test scores determine whether or not the student will need to complete Developmental Studies courses. You can learn more about Developmental Studies courses in the NCMC Academic Catalog.
- Financial Aid –Financial Aid can be affected by the number of credit hours you take each semester. Speak with a Financial Aid Representative if you have questions or want to withdraw from a class.
- Changes – Keep your advisor informed of any degree changes or future educational goals. If you start to struggle, your advisor can assist you in developing a plan to get you back on track!
- Introduce students to the field of mental health and human services.
- Know the risk factors to develop a behavioral health disorder.
- Have knowledge of, and the ability to use, behavior modification procedures.
- Be able to prepare reports using health care documentation.
- Be aware of the techniques and theory behind crisis intervention.
- Understand the fundamental concepts and approaches of motivational interviewing in order to elicit behavior change.
- Have knowledge of legal and ethical issues as they relate to targeted populations.
- Have the ability to appraise the symptoms and overall health impact of mental illness.
For more information or questions about assessment outcomes, please contact Dr. Tristan Londre at [email protected] or (660) 357-6301.
- Successful completion of BH201 Intro to Behavioral Health
- Register with the Family Care Safety Registry. Associated cost included in the BH201 course fees
- Students will be required to successfully complete background and drug screenings as defined by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. More information can be found at https://dmh.mo.gov/about/employee-disqualification
- Practicum sites may require an extensive amount of travel based on locations and position. Students should be aware that some travel will be required for the successful completion of practicum.
- Students should have their own transportation as a large amount of travel is required for practicum and the industry. Transportation should be reliable, safe and up-to-date on all insurance and inspection policies. Proof of this may be required.
Program Contact Information
Janna Ingram
Behavioral Health Support Instructor
[email protected]
(660) 357-6302
