ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S.)
This two year program can lead to entry-level positions in the human services field or serve as a foundation for transferring to earn a bachelor’s degree.
The Mental Health – Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed to be completed in two years.
Contact us today for more information!
A QUALITY EDUCATION
The Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed to prepare students as paraprofessionals in the field of human services. Successful completion of the program will qualify students for entry-level jobs in social services, mental health, intellectual disabilities, child care, nursing homes, substance abuse, and correctional facilities. The program will expose students to the characteristics, basic skills and knowledge necessary for human services providers.
Occupational Objective: Preparation for positions as human services workers in the following settings: Alcohol Treatment Programs, Nursing Homes, Sheltered Workshop Programs, Social Services Departments, Senior Citizens Centers, Correctional Institutions, Group Homes and Clubhouses, Juvenile Treatment Centers
Mental Health (AAS)
CIP 51.1599
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS (Human Services Specialization)
Program Code: 480-01
Program Length: 2 years - 4 Semesters
Minimum Credits: 69
Distance Learning Option Available
Program Advisor:
Seth Helmandollar
Russell Hall 134
276.964.7385
Purpose: The Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed to prepare students as paraprofessionals in the field of human services. Successful completion of the program will qualify students for entry-level jobs in social services, mental health, intellectual disabilities, child care, nursing homes, substance abuse, and correctional facilities. The program will expose students to the characteristics, basic skills and knowledge necessary for human services providers.
Occupational Objective: Preparation for positions as human services workers in the following settings: Alcohol Treatment Programs, Nursing Homes, Sheltered Workshop Programs, Social Services Departments, Senior Citizens Centers, Correctional Institutions, Group Homes and Clubhouses, Juvenile Treatment Centers
New Regulatory Changes: (Effective May 7, 2025)
Changes to the QMHP regulations are pursuant to SB403 of the 2024 General Assembly. These changes will take effect on May 7, 2025. The information below is to allow applicants, registrants and Agencies time to prepare for the new changes.
Please review the Key Changes PowerPoint for a summary that compares the current requirements with the new changes.
Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements, established for the College (as listed under the general admission), Including but not limited to applying for Admission prior to enrollment. HMS 190: Coordinated Internship: Many sites require a background check and/or drug screening prior to placement. Please visit the Virginia Board of Counseling's website, or the board of your state, for questions related to criminal history, misconduct, and future licensure eligibility.
Note: This program is designed to run on a seven-week rotation.
First Semester:
- MEN 101: Mental Health Skills Training I
- ENG 111: College Composition I
- SDV 100: College Success Skills
- MEN 102: Mental Health Skills Training II
- ENG 112: College Composition II
- PSY 200: Principles of Psychology
Semester Total:
- Lecture Hours: 16
- Lab Hours: 0
- Course Credits: 16
Second Semester:
- HMS 141: Group Dynamics I
- HMS 142: Group Dynamics II
- Science I 3 Credits
- Science I Lab 1 Credit
- Science II 3 Credits
- Science II Lab 1 Credit
- CST 100: Principles of Public Speaking
Semester Total:
- Lecture Hours: 15
- Lab Hours: 2
- Course Credits: 17
Third Semester:
- PSY 230: Developmental Psychology
- HIS 111: History of World Civilization I
- OR
- HIS 121: United States History I
- MTH 154: Quantitative Reasoning
- OR
- MTH 161: Precalculus I
- SOC 200: Principles of Sociology
- HIS 112: History of World Civilization II
- OR
- HIS 122: United States History II
- MTH 155: Statistical Reasoning
- OR
- MTH 162: Precalculus II
Semester Total:
- Lecture Hours: 18
- Lab Hours: 0
- Course Credits: 18
Fourth Semester:
- ITE 152: Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
- HMS 230: Ethics in Human Services
- PSY 215: Psychopathology
- HMS 190: Coordinated Internship
- OR
- HMS 199: Supervised Study
- Elective: Social Science Elective 3 Credits***
- Elective: Humanties Elective 3 Credits**
Semester Total:
- Lecture Hours: 18
- Lab Hours:0
- Course Credits: 18
Total Minimum Credits 69
*Corequisite coursework may be required prior to or along with the course. Please complete the Direct Enrollment Survey at https://desurvey.vccs.edu/ to determine your eligibility.
**Select from Humanities Block II of the UCGS or determine transfer institution requirements prior to selection.
***Select from Social Science Block III of the UCGS or determine transfer institution prior to selection.
Humanities Electives:
- ART 101: History of Art: Prehistoric to Gothic
- ART 102: History of Art: Renaissance to Modern
- ENG 275: Women in Literature
- ENG 278: Appalachian Literature
- ENG 245: British Literature
- ENG 246: American Literature
- ENG 255: World Literature
- MUS 121: Music in Society
- MUS 122: Music Appreciation II
- REL 230: Religions of the World
- Determine the transfer institution's requirements prior to selection.
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Distance Learning from Southwest is a great way to get a college education on your schedule. Classes are delivered online, offering a flexible way to get a degree, or certificate, or to take classes to transfer to a four-year college or university. Some programs require internships, in-person labs, and/or classes. Contact us for details.