Berkshire Community College (BCC) will be offering two new certificate programs in the 2020-2021 academic year, including Law Enforcement and Mental Health Worker certificates – in addition to the Cannabis Industry certificate, which is now offering a second year cohort model this fall.
The Law Enforcement certificate falls under the Criminal Justice program. The certificate was developed and ratified by the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Training and Education Committee as an important step in their goal to have a better educated and more professional workforce in the Commonwealth. The certificate combines specialized criminal justice and general education coursework to provide students with knowledge and skills they need to compete for entry in the Massachusetts Law Enforcement field and to promote their abilities for career advancement. The rationale is to provide courses which will enhance competencies in communications (written and oral), interpersonal skill building and understanding of multicultural issues necessary for working with diverse populations, critical thinking, and reasoning in the law enforcement discipline. The 27 credit certificate can be completed in one year over two semesters.
The Mental Health Worker (MHW) certificate falls under the Human Service program at the College. This new certificate offers classroom and field practicum experience for entry-level work in the behavioral health field. The courses use a variety of interactive learning strategies such as: active classroom exercises emphasizing helping skills and personal reflection; guest speakers with expertise in mental health; media; classroom discussion; experiential group work; and counseling role plays. Students will gain valuable knowledge of mental health that includes: causes of mental illness; assessment, diagnosis, treatment techniques; wellness strategies for human service workers in order to prevent burnout; and community resources for individuals and family members. Students in the MHW certificate will also learn about dually diagnosed (mental health and substance use) clients. Cultural competency, as well as legal and ethical issues, will be emphasized throughout the MHW certificate.
The 27 credit certificate program can be completed in one year over two semesters. A strong feature of the MHW certificate is that it offers stackable credits that will allow students to continue on to an Associate Degree in Social Work with a focus on mental health.
For more information about the new certificate programs offered at the College, please go to www.berkshirecc.edu/academics.
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