Behavioral Health Support

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Community support specialists are always in need. They play a significant role in helping members of our community. They can work in various roles, but are usually helping by providing important resources and support. Our program trains you for jobs in behavioral health, community support and human services. You can find work in areas that help society’s most vulnerable, like:

  • Rehab clinics
  • Halfway houses
  • Retirement centers

Our program prepares you for the challenges of these roles. You will learn in the classroom and through hands-on experience. Get real-world training by assisting clients with their mental and physical health.

Shy Wells

Behavioral Health Support
Program Director
417-447-2692

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Accreditation

The Behavioral Health Support Program is supported by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.

Program Outcomes

  1. Know and understand the field of mental health and human services.
  2. Analyze and remember legal and ethical issues as they relate to targeted populations.
  3. Understand, evaluate, and apply fundamental concepts and approaches to elicit behavior modifications.
  4. Evaluate real-world situations to apply effective evidence-based best practices.
  5. Acquire professional skills including communication, time management, positive work ethic, and trauma-informed care.

View program outcomes

General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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PROGRAM OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Applied Science

Behavioral Health Support
  • Work in roles supporting and helping vulnerable members of society
  • Find work as a community support specialist or related role immediately after graduation
  • Supplement your training with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in general education courses

61 credit hours
4 semesters

$12,105.00*
to
$15,873.00*

Certificate of Achievement

Behavioral Health Support
  • Work in roles supporting and helping vulnerable members of society
  • Find work as a community support specialist or related role immediately after graduation

32 credit hours
2 semesters

$6,237.00*
to
$8,237.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

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Varies by course

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.

Behavioral Health Support (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 61 Hours

The Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support provides the training for employment as a Community Support Specialist/Care Coordinator.   The Community Support Specialist/ Care Coordinator serves an essential role in achieving better client outcomes, better client experiences and reduced costs; the triple aim of today's health care system.  They assist clients with their behavioral health and physical health symptoms and interface with a variety of community agencies; i.e. schools, health providers, corrections, housing, employment and social services.  Employment options upon completion of this degree include but are no limited to:  Entry level positions in state, county, and local human service agencies, substance counseling, positions in private or public treatment and rehabilitation centers, schools, and other human service agencies.  This is a selective admission program.  

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the "CORE 42."  CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.

Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.

Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

Behavioral Health Support Certificate

Certificate: 32 Hours

The Certificate of Achievement in Behavioral Health Support provides training for employment as a residential technician or assistant to case management, both in the field and administratively.  Technicians and assistants serve an essential role in ensuring that daily needs of clients are met and serve as a liaison to the client in completing forms and providing paperwork.  Employment options include positions at residential facilities and administrative offices that provide care to individuals with mental health and substance use disorder needs.  This is a selective admission program.  

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*Notices and Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.