~ ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE ~
DESCRIPTION
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Mental Health will
prepare students for entry-level and above positions in areas of
substance abuse, mental health rehabilitation, developmental
disability services, and gerontology. Concentrations in
geriatrics and child services in the future are under
consideration.
Graduates of this program will be able to apply to the Muskie
School Center for Learning for the MHRT-Community certification.
This certification allows workers to apply for Case Management
positions within specific social services agencies. In addition
work could be found in the following capacities: activity
therapist associate, addictions counselor, crisis counselor,
human development associate, rehabilitation worker, family
worker, senior site manager, activity director, volunteer
coordinator, and daily living support specialist. Facilities
that employ these positions include nursing homes, boarding
homes, hospitals, and social and mental health service agencies.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the Associates in Applied Science degree in
Mental Health, the graduate is prepared to:
1) Utilize knowledge and elementary counseling skills to engage
and collaborate with clients and their families.
2) Demonstrate knowledge of the formal and informal support
systems in the community.
3) Analyze problems as they occur in the community work setting
and provide support and information to solve these problems.
4) Collaborate with other treatment team members from a variety
of disciplines and perspectives in the treatment of individuals,
families, and other groups.
5) Demonstrate awareness of the challenges individuals with
mental health problems and diagnoses face in regard to human
rights, access to services, financial strain, and social stigma.
6) Assume ethical responsibility for their actions and abide by
the ethical principles outlined in the field of Human Services.
7) Establish and engage in a process of continued personal and
professional growth in order to remain personally healthy and
effective, and professionally competent.
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
A grade of "C" or better in all core courses and a cumulative
GPA of 2.0, or better, are required for graduation.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The field of Mental Health is a very diverse field with a
diverse array of career opportunities and qualifications. The
MHRT/I certification applies to individuals who work as daily
living support specialists and residential support workers in
the adult mental health field.
The MHRT/Community Certification applies to MaineCare (formally
Medicaid) "other qualified mental health professionals"
providing services to adults, excluding residential services.
This includes providers of community support services, case
management services, intensive case management services,
assertive community treatment, and day support services as
outlined in Chapter II of the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section
17.
Crisis workers serving adults or children crisis workers must
meet MHRT/Community Certification requirements and have one year
of closely related experience.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS
|
| COM104 |
Introduction to Communication |
3 |
| ENG101 |
College Composition |
3 |
| MHT103* |
Introduction to Social Services
Systems |
3 |
| MHT104* |
Community Mental Health |
3 |
| SOC101 |
Introduction to Sociology |
3 |
| |
TOTAL FIRST SEMESTER CREDITS |
15 |
|
SECOND SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS
|
| MHT110* |
Interviewing and Counseling |
3 |
| MHT112* |
Crisis Identification and Intervention |
3 |
| MHT124* |
Psychosocial Rehabilitation |
3 |
| PSY101 |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
| SOC104* |
The Changing Workplace |
3 |
| |
TOTAL SECOND SEMESTER CREDITS |
15 |
|
THIRD SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS
|
| MAT117 |
College Algebra |
3 |
| MHT116* |
Mental Health and Aging |
3 |
| MHT118* |
Substance Abuse Counseling for Special
Populations (Dual Diagnosis) |
3 |
| SOC204* |
Social Problems |
3 |
| ______ |
General Elective |
3 |
| |
TOTAL THIRD SEMESTER CREDITS |
15 |
|
FOURTH SEMESTER |
|
CREDIT HOURS
|
| ENG121 |
Introduction to Literature |
3 |
| MHT114* |
Incest, Sexual Abuse, and Trauma |
3 |
| MHT120* |
Case Management |
3 |
| MHT126* |
Vocational Aspects of Disability |
3 |
| ______ |
Lab Science Elective |
4 |
| |
TOTAL FOURTH SEMESTER CREDITS |
16 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS |
61 |
