Note: The Bachelor of Applied Science-Behavioral Health is offered in partnership between Wenatchee Valley College and Big Bend Community College. The degree will be available for application February 2025. The first cohort will start in Fall 2025.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Behavioral Healthcare degree builds on an existing two year degree or 90 credits adding upper division coursework to complete a four-year degree.
Courses are offered in a hyflex format in which students attend each class once a week synchronously (via Zoom or Teams) and the remainder of the coursework is completed online. This program starts in Fall quarter and can be completed online.
Students will enroll in and complete 90 additional credits of coursework to earn the BAS in Behavioral Healthcare.
Application
Students may apply here online in February 2025. There is a $50 application fee.
Program Learning Outcomes
This degree is designed to provide program graduates with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to enter the behavioral health workforce. The curriculum of the BAS in Behavioral Healthcare degree includes a combination of core courses, specialized courses, and practical experiences. These courses provide students with a strong understanding of human behavior, mental health disorders, and the principles of counseling. After completing the first year of the program, each student completes three five-credit practicums in the behavioral health field.
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PLO1 |
Demonstrate knowledge of the structures, functions, and organizations within the healthcare system, with a specific focus on Behavioral Health (BH) organizations |
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PLO2 |
Communicate proficiently with clients, families, and members of the care team, utilizing suitable channels to enhance personal care, contribute to positive health outcomes, and instill optimism for recovery |
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PLO3 |
Exhibit integrity by consistently practicing ethical behavior, developing a meaningful practice of self-care, maintaining confidentiality, self-reflection, and approaching work with cultural sensitivity and humility |
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PLO4 |
Demonstrate ability to effectively function as a member of an interprofessional care team in coordinating services and resources |
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PLO5 |
Identify and address barriers that hinder access and equity within the BH system, delivering culturally relevant services to clients and their families |
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PLO6 |
Conduct screenings and assessments, utilizing the gathered information to develop and implement client-centered care plans |
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PLO7 |
Demonstrate understanding of various theories of practice to intervene in behavioral health conditions. |
Special Features
- Students in the BAS Behavioral Healthcare program have the advantage of a low faculty to student ratio.
- Cohort model: a best-practice model used in higher education where students who start the program together take the same courses together fostering a learning community and support network
- The BAS Behavioral Healthcare program does not currently have a waiting list.
- The BAS Behavioral Healthcare program was designed to align with industry needs for the new Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) credential.
- The BAS Behavioral Healthcare program curriculum is designed to prepare students for completing master's degrees in related fields.
Admissions Requirements
All interested students meeting the minimum requirements for entrance to the BAS-BH program are encouraged to apply. Admissions requirements were carefully developed to ensure students’ preparedness for the program without creating unnecessary and extensive admissions requirements. Prior to admission, applicants are expected to have completed the following coursework:
- Completed associate degree or 90 college-level credits from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Completed at 2.0 GPA or above in the following courses:
- ENGL& 101 English Composition
- ENGL& 102, 235, 202, or 203 (ENGL& 235 Technical Writing preferred)
- A college-level math or its equivalent (must meet SQR requirement)
- PSYC& 100 General Psychology
- Humanities course
- Completion of application for admission to the BAS Behavioral Health program