Human Services

Human Services Two Year A.A.S. Degree

Human Services is designed for students interested in helping people to help themselves with problems of psychological or social survival.  The clients generally have problems of survival that the realistic goal is to help an individual or group learn how to function effectively in today’s world.   

The A.A.S. program is designed to provide the training appropriate for beginning employment in a human services occupation.  Students that are interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Human Services or Social Work will need to additionally obtain an A.A. degree in liberal arts for a streamlined transfer to a four-year university or college.     

Mesabi Range Community and Technical College does have specific transfer agreements with Social Work programs at the College of St. Scholastica and the University of Wisconsin-Superior leading to BSW degree.  Agreements with other colleges are possible.    

 Career Opportunities 

A graduate from A.A.S. Mesabi Range Human Services program will have acquired an understanding of the concepts, principles, skills, methods, and techniques of human service agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, half-way houses, and public services related business or industry. 

CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 64

* Fieldwork Work—total of four (4) credits. May be taken as four (4) credits in one semester or two (2) credits in each of the sophomore semesters.
* Must be taken in the semester indicated.

Chemical Dependency Specialist Two-Year A.A.S. Degree 

Chemical Dependency Specialist is a Human Services option designed for people interested in entering or furthering their present level of training in the chemical dependency field.  A graduate will have acquired an understanding of the concepts, principles, skills, methods, and techniques needed to work with those whose lives have seriously affected by chemical abuse.  Graduates may seek employment in chemical dependency treatment programs; information, diagnostic, and referral centers; outpatient or follow-up care programs; halfway houses, schools, hospitals, clinics, prisons, social agencies; and programs supported by business, church, and government.   

To complete degree one internship is required.  For a permit or full licensure, completion of two internships is mandatory.  A permit through the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy may be obtained after completion of this program.  For full licensure a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a behavioral science is required.   

*For bachelor degreed students, the Chemical Dependency Certificate is an option for licensure. 

Chemical Dependency Specialist Certificate

This certificate is intended for those students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and are seeking licensure for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.  It satisfies the 270 hours of classroom clock hours required and the 880 hour internship hours (2 courses of CDEP 2240 Chemical Dependency Internships are equal to 880 hours) required to obtain a license in the State of Minnesota.

The coursework in this program will equip students with the intellectual tools and core counseling skills necessary to become an effective drug counselor.  The following is academic coursework students will receive under the certificate to satisfy 270 clock hours: overview of alcohol and drug counseling focusing on the transdisciplinary foundations of alcohol and drug counseling and providing an understanding of theories of chemical dependency, the continuum of care, and the process of change; pharmacology of substance abuse disorders and the dynamics of addiction; screening, intake, assessment, and treatment planning; counseling theory and practice, crisis intervention, orientation, and client education; case management, consultation, referral, treatment planning, reporting, record keeping, and professional and ethical responsibilities; multicultural aspects of chemical dependency, chemical dependency and the family; treating substance abuse disorders in culturally diverse and identified populations; dual diagnoses/co-occurring disorders with substance abuse disorders; and ethics and chemical dependency.

During the internship the student will practice and further develop these skills under the supervision of a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor at an approved internship site.  The internship experience will cover the entire continuum of drug treatment and rehabilitation care including prevention, intervention, primary care, and aftercare.  This program will provide the opportunity for students to develop proficiencies in the twelve core functions of chemical dependency as defined by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. 

Graduates may seek employment in chemical dependency treatment programs (outpatient and residential), diagnostic and referral centers, schools, hospitals, clinics, prisons, social agencies, and other programs supported by business, church, and government agencies.