Colorado has a growing demand for qualified behavioral health workers. By earning a microcredential, Mental Health Aide certificate, Mental Health Support Specialist certificate, or a Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science degree from PCC, you can start building a rewarding career helping those in need. You’ll study concepts related to addiction and substance abuse, counseling, group dynamics, and more.
America’s fentanyl crisis, as well as a personal connection to the realities of addiction, propelled one Pueblo Community College student toward her career path.
Miranda Finegan graduated last spring with an Associate of Applied Science degree from PCC’s behavioral health program.
The Behavioral Health program (BEH) is a degree option for those who are interested in human behavior, especially in clinical or health-related settings. During the program, students will study behavioral health concepts related to addiction and substance abuse, counseling, group dynamics, and human development. The Behavioral Health program will also cover current trends, best practices, and up-to-date research findings.
If you wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree after earning your AAS, you can take advantage of a smooth transfer to UCCS for a BA in Human Services or CSU Pueblo for a BAS in Health Science and Administration.
Microcredentials offer fast-track training. They are designed with input from behavioral health professionals and can be completed in a year or less. Learn basic skills in areas such as addiction recovery assistant, behavioral health assistant (QBHA), behavioral health assistant II, behavioral health +, or patient navigator. Scholarships and financial aid may be available.
By earning a microcredential in behavioral health, you'll learn foundational skills to begin working in your community and earn college credit to continue your professional training.
Addiction Recovery Assistant: prepare students with the knowledge of addiction treatment and recovery support positions through a strength-based model. The curriculum includes the required course credits for the Certified Addiction Technician Certification as well as coursework focused on socio-emotional skills and knowledge.
Behavioral Health Assistant: Prepares students with foundational behavioral health knowledge, concepts and skills within diverse behavioral health settings. The curriculum covers health and wellness, intercultural competency, interpersonal communication, entry-level counseling skills, and mental health first aid training.
Medicaid reimbursable.
Behavioral Health Assistant II: Builds upon the Behavioral Health Assistant microcredential through service learning experience and a deeper analysis and understanding of diversity. Ensures students have theoretical and experiential knowledge of behavioral health care and practice.
Behavioral Health +: Prepares students with foundational behavioral health knowledge, entry-level crisis management and de-escalation skills, applicable to a variety of settings, such as nursing or medical assisting.
Patient Navigator: Prepares students to support clients in identifying resources and navigating behavioral healthcare services and systems to promote client health and wellbeing.
The licensure requirements for the Behavioral Health may differ between all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Pueblo Community College (PCC) recommends each student visit the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) to identify the program requirements for Colorado and each state in which you plan to live and practice.
PCC can only guarantee that the requirements for the state of Colorado are met with our program.
PCC has not determined if the Behavioral Health meets applicable state requirements for the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
