What is a Behavioral Health Technician Diploma?
Coursework towards a behavioral health diploma will instruct the student in the complex interactions of human behavior and development in society. Instruction focuses on behavioral disorders and the reasons that people will act destructively and methods of correcting such behavior. Students will learn about the dynamics of group behavior, the biological and psychological origins and treatments of abuse and addictions, and special problems arising from the treatment of elderly patients. Graduates will be able to assess and care for behavioral disorders in settings such as group counseling, halfway homes, social service centers, correction centers, and similar facilities. Typical coursework for a behavioral health diploma includes:
- Human Development and Behavior
- Group Dynamics
- Foundations of Addiction
- Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
- Gerontology
- Individual and Group Counseling Skills
- Crisis Intervention
Why Get a Behavioral Health Technician Degree?
A diploma in behavioral health will prepare you for an entry-level position in the field and prove to employers that you have the skills and experience necessary for behavioral health jobs.
Career Options, Job Outlook, and Compensation
A behavioral health diploma prepares you for a career as a counselor who advises groups and individuals in productive behavior skills. This may include working with drug addicts to overcome their addictions, treating dysfunctional behavior in abused children, or rehabilitating criminals. These careers are often psychologically demanding and may cause considerable stress. Practitioners often find them particularly rewarding, however, and worth the special care and attention they demand.
Job Outlook for Behavioral Health Degree Holders
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), the demand for behavioral health specialists will grow faster than the national average until at least the year 2014. The relatively high turnover for behavioral health positions, combined with the highly specialized and demanding nature of the position, leads to low demand for positions and favorable job outlook for those in the field. The median annual income for behavioral health specialists in 2004 was $45,570.
