Human Services Associate Degree

Employment Potential

Potential Occupations within Health and Human Services to potentially include: youth worker, crisis worker, domestic violence advocate, personal care worker, substance abuse counselor in training (SAC-IT), probation and parole.

Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an admissions advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• A current criminal background check must be on file before starting internships. A record of specified criminal offenses may bar or restrict an individual from course work involving a clinical/practicum/internship experience licensure and/or future employment in this occupation. If information indicates that you have been convicted of a crime or have charges pending, you must speak with a program faculty member.

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Human Services Associate program in the number of semesters shown.

First Semester

10-520-101

Introduction to Human Services

3

10-520-101 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES...Examine the evolution of the human services field. Distinguish the various types of human service agencies and occupations available in the field. Demonstrate the qualities of the field professionals. Complete 10 hours of community service at an agency of learner’s choice outside of class time. Assess boundaries and ethical issues commonly found in the human services profession. Apply reflective practitioner techniques.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-550-178

Intro to Counseling

3

10-550-178 INTRO TO COUNSELING ...This course emphasizes the application of counseling skills and techniques within a client/counselor relationship. Interviewing skills are studied and developed which should be used in a variety of occupational roles. The course is taught from the standpoint of a clinical relationship and skills are developed along those lines. Students will get basic experience in assessment of potential problem areas, as well as participation in numerous role-plays. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)"; OR successful completion of English Comp 1 with a C or better. Contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444).

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-550-180

Intro to Sub Abuse Profession

3

10-550-180 INTRO TO SUB ABUSE PROFESSION ...Explore characteristics that are incorporated into substance abuse counseling and practice. Determine personal values, beliefs, strengths and weaknesses. Analyze the eight practice dimensions used to effectively treat substance use disorders: clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referral, service coordination, counseling, patient, family and community education, documentation and professional and ethical responsibilities. Evaluate legal and ethical issues surrounding substance abuse counseling. Apply reflective practitioner methods. Assess boundaries and ethical issues. Information will be provided with regards to Wisconsin licensing for substance abuse counseling. Apply reflective practitioner techniques.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-520-103

Emotional Intelligence

2

10-520-103 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ...This course will introduce the student to the importance of emotional intelligence in the human services field. Emotional intelligence works to increase the student’s emotional self-awareness, self-regulation, core values internal motivation, increasing empathy, and building skills for interpersonal effectiveness needed to be an effective human service worker. Students will utilize these basic skills in the human service field to adapt and manage their responses to various situations. Apply reflective practitioner techniques.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Second Semester

10-550-172

Group Facilitation

3

10-550-172 GROUP FACILITATION ... Learners identify stages of group process. Introduced to group counseling techniques such as facilitating the process of forming a group, determining group type, purpose, size, leadership, establishing goals and clarifying group rules. Assess boundaries and ethical issues commonly found in group counseling. Apply reflective practitioner methods. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. (Prerequisite: 10-550-178, Intro to Counseling)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-520-102

Boundaries and Ethics

3

10-520-102 BOUNDARIES AND ETHICS ...This course is designed to teach a process of ethical decision-making and to increase awareness of the complexities in practice. The main goal of the course is to stimulate the learner to think about major issues related to sound and professional practice in human services and to challenge the learner to formulate a position on issues. The learner is expected to become familiar with the ethical codes of the counseling profession and to develop an increased ability to apply these ethical principles to a variety of specific problem situations that will be discussed in class. Students need to have basic knowledge of counseling in order to be successful in this class. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. (Prerequisite: 10-550-178; Intro. to Counseling.)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-550-174

Overview of Mental Disorders

3

10-550-174 OVERVIEW OF MENTAL DISORDERS ... Examine signs and symptoms specific to mental health diagnosis across the lifespan as defined in the Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM.) Explore and differentiate diagnostic techniques and behavioral experimentation instruments. Assess boundaries and ethical issues commonly found in behavior assessment. Apply reflective practitioner techniques.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-550-176

Ethical Case/Record Mgmt

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-550-176 ETHICAL CASE AND RECORD MANAGEMENT... Provide the information necessary to complete ethical case and record management. Practice coordinating integrative services for clients. Incorporate intake assessment techniques and create a plan of service. Practice appropriate documentation. Utilize referral techniques. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. (Prerequisite: 10-550-178, Intro to Counseling)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Third Semester

10-809-188

Developmental Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-188 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY ...defines human development; examines theories; heredity and environmental effects; prenatal development and birth; evaluates biosocial, cognitive psychosocial development through the life span; aging, death, and dying. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-550-181

Substance Use & Family Systems

3

10-550-181 SUBSTANCE USE & FAMILY SYSTEMS ...Explore the effects of substance use on the family. Examine multi generational family systems approach, which includes an examination of how each family member develops his/her coping mechanisms. Synthesize the issues of historical trauma, co-dependency, adult children of alcoholic/addict caregivers, family roles within dysfunctional families and the dynamics of family interventions. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. Assess boundaries and ethical issues commonly found in families. (Prerequisite: 10-550-178; Intro. to Counseling)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-520-151

Internship 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-520-151 INTERNSHIP 1 ...Complete a minimum of 144 hours of occupational experience in an agency of learner's choice. Collaborate with agency-appointed supervisor to define the individual learning objectives to be obtained during the internship. Provides the learner with opportunities to strengthen skills and to experience the full range of responsibilities assumed by a professional in the human services field. Utilize supervision by agency and field experience instructor. Facilitate the learner's transition into the work world. Assess boundaries and ethical issues commonly found while working in the helping field. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. (Prerequisite: 10-520-101; Intro. to Human Services, 10-520-102 Boundaries & Ethics in the Helping Profession, 10-550-178 Intro to Counseling, 10-550-176 Ethical Case & Record Mgmt., 10-550-172 Group Facilitation, 10-550-174 Overview of Mental Disorders, 10-550-180; Intro. to Substance Abuse Profession, 10-520-103; Emotional Intelligence.)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-544-205

GERO: Alzheimer's & Dementia

2

10-544-205 GERO: ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA DISEASE ...study of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Students will differentiate between stages of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing normal brain processes and how these diseases affect brain function, students gain insight on best practices in responding to the needs of this population and their caregivers and loved ones.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Spring

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10-520-141

Issues in Child Maltreatment

3

10-520-141 ISSUES IN CHILD MALTREATMENT ...Examine issues often found in families that are affected by child abuse and neglect. Explore the social, environmental and biological components of child maltreatment. Determine the laws, agencies and procedures that are specific to child maltreatment. Define the role played by the helping professional in response to child maltreatment, including mandated reporting of abuse. Assess boundaries and ethical issues commonly found while working with child maltreatment. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. (Prerequisite: 10-550-178 Intro to Counseling)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

17

Fourth Semester

10-520-104

Advocacy of Special Population

3

10-520-104 ADVOCACY OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS ...Examine the concept of advocacy as it relates to the human services field. Identify various populations that students will work with within the human services field. Develop and practice strategies for communication and advocating for people. Explore belief systems, social pressure, moral problems and decision making as it relates to various child and adult populations. Apply reflective practitioner techniques.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-520-152

Internship 2

3

INTERNSHIP 2 10-520-152 ...Complete a minimum of 144 hours of occupational experience in an agency of learner's choice. Utilize supervision by agency and field experience instructor. Collaborate with agency-appointed supervisor to define the individual learning objectives to be obtained during the internship. Provides the learner with opportunities to strengthen skills and to experience the full range of responsibilities assumed by a human services professional. Focuses on demonstrating competency of professional skills. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. (Prerequisite: 10-520-151 Internship 1)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-520-191

Motivational Interviewing

3

10-520-191 MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING ...Ascertain fundamental building block skills in Motivational Interviewing. Apply the Spirit and basic Motivational Interviewing interventions in therapeutic sessions. Evaluate performance through real play counseling sessions and personal experience reflections. Recognize ambivalence and motivation to change. Determine differences between sustain and change talk. Apply collaborative goal setting. Determine client direction using focus techniques. Apply reflective practitioner techniques. (Prerequisite: 10-550-178; Intro. to Counseling.)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-806-189

Basic Anatomy

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-189 BASIC ANATOMY ...examines concepts of anatomy and physiology as they relate to health careers. Learners correlate anatomical and physiological terminology to all body systems. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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OR

10-804-134

Mathematical Reasoning

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-134 MATHEMATICAL REASONING ...This course provides an alternative pathway to earning credit for a college level liberal arts mathematics course. All college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course is not designed for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) students and/or others who require calculus. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to 12.7 AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to 780 AND Rdg greater/equal to 567; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Total Credits

62

Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-520-XXX and 10-550-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" may retake the course.

Admitted students may be invited to attend the Human Services program orientation; attendance is strongly recommended.

Internships are required as part of the program. These may be unpaid. Please work with your program faculty to establish Internship 1 and 2 sites.

Health care facilities participating in internships require students to complete a health history with examination and recommendation from a physical including documentation regarding immunity status for rubella (measles), varicella (chickenpox), and mumps prior to the start of field experiences. Also, a negative PPD (TB skin test) must be documented within the 3 months prior to beginning any field experiences. If a positive PD is noted, the student will need to provide documentation and certification by a licensed physician that he/she is not a health risk to vulnerable third parties.

For more information, please call 920-498-5444 or 1-800-422-NWTC.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C.

Students must earn a "C" or higher in 10-801-136, English Composition 1 prior to enrolling in 10-801-185, English Composition 2.

Program Outcomes

• Model a commitment to cultural competence.
• Uphold the ethical standards and values for human service professionals.
• Demonstrate professionalism.
• Utilize community resources.
• Apply human services interventions and best practices.
• Cultivate professional relationships.

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Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.