By Janna Ingram, NCMC Behavioral Health Support Instructor
Do you have a desire to help others? Are you interested in a career in behavioral health? Then, set sail to a degree (or certificate) in Behavioral Health Support at North Central Missouri College (NCMC). Behavioral Health at NCMC encompasses so many opportunities to invest in your behavioral health future!
As part of the Behavioral Health Program, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Health Support. You can also earn certificates in Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders or become a credentialed Community Health Worker (CHW) or Level I Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor (MAADC I) through the Missouri Credentialing Board. Dual credit programs are also available, allowing you the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certificate in Behavioral Health.
Many of the Behavioral Health programs are available online, offering you the flexibility to do coursework on your schedule. While striving to meet every need, we also offer on-ground courses at both our Trenton and Savannah Campus. Credentialing as a Level I Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor can be added to any human services degree program, including Education, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Psychology. Additional options include Behavioral Health electives or emphasis for any degree-seeking student.
Students will gain practical experience at a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), will participate in site visits, receive professional interactions, and build community partnerships. They will apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios within the behavioral health field. This hands-on approach will help students understand the diverse roles and functions of behavioral health support workers, ultimately preparing them to become trained professionals.
Students join this program with diverse backgrounds and experiences. While some bring years of experience, others are new to the field. Regardless of their background, all students have the potential to succeed in this program. To support their success, the program offers tutoring, one-on-one instruction, and various campus resources. These supports ensure that every student receives personalized guidance and assistance, helping them thrive academically and professionally.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment in Social and Human Services assistance is projected to grow about 8%, requiring approximately 48,000 positions to be filled each year. The Bureau reports that “Growth is expected as more people seek treatment for their addictions and more drug offenders are sent to treatment programs rather than to jail.” The Missouri Department of Mental Health reports that approximately 18 percent of Missouri residents 12 and older have a substance use disorder that includes alcohol or other substances.
If you would like to learn more about the Behavioral Health Support Program at North Central Missouri College, you may contact me at [email protected] or at (660) 357-6302. Visit our website to stay up to date on current class offerings and changes for Fall 2025. Behavioral Health Support (AAS) – Academics
Photo: Janna Ingram