Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Human Services Degrees by Degree Program Level

While the healthcare profession relies on a fair amount of on-the-job training, employers often prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Services, for entry level positions. A master's degree in human services is often required for upper-level management and supervisory positions. For students unable to relocate, online degree programs at the bachelor's and master's levels are available.

Online Bachelor's Degree Program in Human Services

A Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services gives students a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to start a career in the health care field. Human service assistants help improve quality of lifestyle for clients by providing services, such as securing clients' Medicare and food stamps, arranging transportation and offering emotional support. They most often work in rehabilitation programs, psychiatric hospitals and outpatient clinics and are responsible for documenting case histories, assisting with and monitoring client progress, formulating treatment plans, and participating in interventions.

Program Information and Requirements

Students will typically devote four years to completing a bachelor's degree program. Online programs are available for students unable to relocate to attend courses in person. A computer and Internet access are needed for online portions of the courses. Students use a course management system and have access to online presentations. Communication is conducted via e-mail.

List of Common Courses

The curriculum is comprised of general education courses and introductory and advanced courses in the human services major. Courses cover relevant topics, such as effective patient communication, mental illness diagnosis, and the impact of technology on the health care industry.

Communications and the Human Services Professionals

Contemporary theories and practices of effective interpersonal and group communication are examined. Students study topics relevant to the human services professional, such as empathy interviewing, non verbal communication, active listening and presentation skills. Students also study how family, culture and gender influence communication.

The United States Health Care System Course

Students get an overview of the foundations, historical origins, values and resources of organized health care in the United States. Different national health care systems are discussed in comparison. Students examine how legal, ethical, regulatory and financial issues impact improvement in the health care system in the United States.

Human Services and Technology Course

Students study the impact technology has had on the health care industry. Topics of special interest include access, information privacy, security, professional ethics, legal issues and client confidentiality. Practical and theoretical applications of technology in the health care industry are examined.

Career Information

A bachelor's degree is usually considered the minimum requirement for employment, although most experience is gained through extensive on-the-job training. A 2008 report by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) indicated that 25% of human service assistants were employed by local and state governments and that a 23% growth in employment is expected from 2008 to 2018. It is believed that the aging of the baby boomer generation will cause an increase in demand for qualified human service assistants. The same report placed the median annual salary of human service assistants at $27,280.

Online Master's Degree Programs in Human Services Overview

Graduates who hold a bachelor's degree in human services and aspire to supervisory and upper-level management positions in the health care industry will find a master's degree beneficial. A curriculum at the master's level is comprised of advanced courses and seminars that build upon practices and principles learned at the undergraduate level. The goal of a master's degree program is to give students advanced analytical, conceptual and operational knowledge necessary for high-level jobs in the health care industry. Some degree programs offer specializations, such as drug and alcohol counseling and health services administration.

Program Information and Requirements

A master's degree program in human services typically takes two years. Students interested in distance learning can take advantage of programs offered online. Students need a computer and Internet access. Modern teaching technologies, such as a course management system and online presentations, are used in addition to traditional textbooks.

List of Common Courses

A master's curriculum in human services is designed to prepare students for employment in the health care industry. Students take advanced courses in human services related topics, such as dealing with diversity, the current state of the United States health care system and stages of human development.

Health Care and Diversity

Students examine the impact of social, cultural, economic and religious differences from the point of view of the client and human services counselor. Development of advanced communicative skills and self-awareness in the counselor are encouraged. Classic and contemporary counseling theories are presented, with an emphasis on ethical and practical issues.

Stages of Human Development Course

Basic stages of human development in a multicultural context are examined. Students study developmental theories and transitions concerning the individual and family, learning and personality development, changing neurological behavior, the impact of trauma causing events, disability, theories of addiction and resilience across the lifespan are all topics of interest.

Basics of Mental Illness Diagnosis Course

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is introduced as tool in diagnosing mental illness. The course examines various mental disorders associated with different stages of life from infancy through adulthood. Students practice diagnosis, case formulation, treatment planning and continued care planning using the multiaxial model.

Career Information

Although the majority of knowledge is gained on the job, an advanced degree will give graduates better opportunity for higher level jobs, better pay and increased responsibility. Case management and social work often requires formal education at the graduate level. A 2008 report by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) reported that 65% of social and human services assistants were employed in the health care and social assistance fields.

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