MAC offers new Behavioral Health Support degree in Cape Girardeau

MAC offers new Behavioral Health Support degree in Cape Girardeau

Mineral Area College (MAC) is offering an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Health Support (BHS). The new program will be offered starting in the fall of 2024 at the MAC Cape Girardeau location.

The AAS in Behavioral Health Support program prepares students for entry-level positions such as care coordinators, community support specialists, and case managers. Upon completion, students will have the necessary skills to provide support to clients in various settings.

The program requires students to complete two practicums, providing them with hands-on experience to prepare them for supporting clients in behavioral and mental health settings. The curriculum consists of a general education component and a concentration in behavioral health. Locally, MAC is partnering with Gibson Center for Behavioral Change in Cape Girardeau to provide students with practicum experiences, instructional support, and pathways to employment upon graduation.

Upon program completion, graduates can fill a critical need in the workforce as entry-level support professionals in areas such as addiction, disabilities, education, mental health, and psychiatric care at state, county, and local human services agencies.

“Through now offering academic programming in Behavioral Health Support, MAC continues to fulfill its mission to serve the community,” said Dr. Keith Zoromski, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.  “Graduates of the program will fill a state-wide immediate need for well-trained community support specialist staffing. With hundreds of vacancies across the state and region, MAC and the BHS program will further support what is known as the ‘Triple Aim’ of healthcare: better client outcomes, better client experiences, and reduced costs” Zoromski explains.

For more information, please contact MAC Cape Girardeau Director Amanda Heslinga by email at aheslinga@MineralArea.edu or by calling (573) 519-0601. Prospective students can apply online at www.MineralArea.edu.