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.
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.
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.
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.
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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