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Hybrid courses give you increased flexibility.
Provide Essential Support in Your Community
Make a difference in your community. The Behavioral Health Support (BHS) program gives you skills to help people build healthier and more stable lives. Gain training to work alongside mental health professionals in crisis care and long-term support.
Take your education beyond the classroom with practicum experiences. You gain hands-on training to provide resources and support in real settings, including:
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Rehab clinics
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Youth Support Centers.
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Schools
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Community and home-based services
Ozarks Tech partners with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, giving you strong local and statewide job opportunities.
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply for the program.
The Behavioral Health Support program requires a separate application process in addition to the general Ozarks Tech Admission Process
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.
Shy Wells
Behavioral Health Support Program Director
417-447-2692
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 on OTC Accreditation.
Program Outcomes
- Know and understand the field of mental health and human services.
- Analyze and remember legal and ethical issues as they relate to targeted populations.
- Understand, evaluate, and apply fundamental concepts and approaches to elicit behavior modifications.
- Evaluate real-world situations to apply effective evidence-based best practices.
- Acquire professional skills including communication, time management, positive work ethic, and trauma-informed care.
Find Your Community
Getting involved is a great way to build connections and find your community on campus. With a variety of clubs and organizations and campus events it’s easy to find your people.
Looking for something a little different?
Check out similar programs that might be the right fit for you.
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Behavioral Health Support (A.A.S.)
A.A.S. Degree: 61 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
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; a grade of ‘C’ or higher is required for all BHS courses.
Behavioral Health Support Certificate
Certificate: 32 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
The Certificate of Achievement in Behavioral Health Support is designed to prepare individuals for working in the behavioral health field. Individuals completing this track will gain entry-level competencies and an overall general understanding of Behavioral Health as an assistant case manager and residential technician.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. However, the program does not recommend working full-time hours while attempting the BHS degree. The BHS program is a very challenging program and requires a significant amount of time and focus from the student. Students should anticipate that the BHS program will require a substantial time commitment in both the coursework and field practicums.
The Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science is intended for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminology, social work or familiar fields of study.
The Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support is intended for students intend to immediately enter the workforce in clinical settings after completing the program.
Yes, upon graduation from the Behavioral Health Support program, a student may apply for the Level I MAADC (Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor Certification) certification.
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Notices & 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.