How long does it take to complete?

Students in the Behavioral Health Support program are part of a cohort.  After completing all pre-admission courses and being accepted into the program, students will complete in approximately a year and a half.

Employment

Employment options include case management, Community Support Specialist or In Home Specialist through our Department of Mental Health facility partners.  Students may work in substance use, intensive treatment, school based or mental health focused departments.

The BHS program is affiliated with the state’s Department of Mental Health locations.  In this area, that is Burrell Behavioral Health, Compass, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Center and Clark Center.  Students are able to participate in practicum hours at additional not-for-profit locations if they prefer and if space is available.

If a student is considering working out of the state of Missouri, the student would have to have an undergraduate degree.  The student could complete the program and work while they get their undergraduate education.  This would help them in the long run because a lot of facilities are looking for people with experience.  That way they would have both.

The links for the DMH may be found below:

Burrell Behavioral Health
Clark Community Mental Health Center
Compass Health Network
Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health

What is the employment outlook?

Polls of potential local employers revealed that the anticipated beginning salary range for a new graduate of the A.A.S. Behavioral Health Support program is $35000 – $41000. Research organizations rate employment possibilities in these fields as excellent.

What is a typical course schedule?

A student in the A.A.S. in Behavioral Health Support program will complete the General Education courses at dates/times that are convenient for their schedule. Students work these courses around the completion of the BHS course requirements.

Students will complete BHS courses during daytime hours one day a week. Practicums take place in semesters three, four and five of the program.  Each student will spend 10-12 hours a week at a community facility, in addition to classroom hours.

What is the difference of Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science?

OTC currently offers an Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science. This degree prepares students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions. Once there, they can pursue bachelor’s degrees in psychology, criminology, social work or similar fields of study.

The program intends the new A.A.S. in Behavioral Health Support to specifically prepare students who plan to immediately enter the workforce in clinical settings.

What are Field practicums?

During these three courses, the program assigns students various mental health community agencies. There, students will apply the concepts learned in the classroom to the job description and responsibilities of the behavioral health support role.

• BHS 291 require completion of 80 hours during the field practicum.
• BHS 292 requires completion of 120 hours during the field practicum.
• BHS 293 requires completion of 120 hours during the field practicum.

Can I take the general education courses before applying?

The program encourages applicants interested in the to complete as many general education courses as possible before beginning the program. This allows the student to have more time to focus on the BHS courses. Maintaining this concentration on applying the skills learned during the field practicums increases overall student success and program completion.

Can I work during the program?

Yes. However, the program does not recommend working full-time hours while attempting the BHS degree. The BHS program is a very challenging program and requires a significant amount of time and focus from the student. Students should anticipate that the BHS program will require a substantial time commitment in both the coursework and field practicums.

Can I pick when I take BHS classes?

No. Once the BHS program accepts an individual into the program, students must take the courses in sequence in the given semester.  Students can find the preferred course sequence on the BHS website. The BHS courses within the BOLDED outline represent the courses that students must taken within a specific order. However, students can take the general education courses whenever they are available. The program encourages students to takes these courses when they fit best into the student’s schedule.

What format are the classes offered?

OTC offers general education (PSY 110, ENG 101, COM 100, etc.) courses in multiple formats: seated, hybrid and online.

The BHS program offers classes in a hybrid format.  Chapter lectures are viewed through Canvas and meetings with your instructors happen each week, for 1-1.5 hours per class.  This gives you an opportunity to connect with your classmates and receive assistance from your professors.  Attendance may be in person or via Zoom.

What if I haven’t had any previous experience in mental healthcare?

Students come to the Health Sciences programs with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Some have years of experience, and some have none at all. Both types of students can be successful. However, the more a student understands the mental health profession, the more satisfied one will be with the choice to pursue an A.A.S. in Behavioral Health Support degree.

Can I become a substance abuse counselor with this degree?

Yes, upon graduation from the Behavioral Health Support program, a student may apply for the Level I MAADC (Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor Certification) certification.

Can I obtain a higher degree?

Baccalaureate degrees in Behavioral and Community Health or Psychology can be earned through Drury University, Evangel University, Missouri State University and Ottowa University.

Drury Transfer Agreement

Evangel Univ Transfer Agreement

Missouri State Univ Transfer Agreement

Ottawa Univ Transfer Agreement

Suggestions from BHS Graduates

• Apply for financial aid (scholarships) – make a financial plan
• Save money to prepare for practicum semesters
• Make all courses a priority
• Must be passionate about helping people
• Be prepared to write
• Flexibility
• Be ready to work hard
• Prepare for class
• Make time to study
• Participate in class
• Work a job as little as possible
• Use time management
• Ask questions
• Prepare to dedicate your life to the program