The BHS, A.A.S program aims to equip students with workforce-ready skills and knowledge for entry-level positions in hospitals, mental health and substance abuse treatement organizations, nursing homes, schools, shelters, and other non-profit entities. This degree will prepare graduates to meet licensure requirements as a Case Manager I from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. In addition, the program is structured to allow for transferability to baccalaureate programs for individuals who wish to continue their education in behavioral health fields such as psychology, social work, and counseling.
Program Notes
Pre-Placement Screening Requirements
Background Report:
All students enrolled in OCCC’s Behavioral Health Sciences program who participate in fieldwork and practicum placements must complete a background check.
An extensive nationwide Background Report includes, but is not limited to, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) background searches for sex offender, violent offender, and criminal history. The student is responsible for the cost of the Background Report, which must be paid by credit card or a money order only. Fieldwork and Practicum agency representative(s) review the reports that have any criminal history (or “hits on the designated areas of concern”). The agency alone can accept or deny access to its fieldwork or practicum site. If a student is denied access to fieldwork or practicum sites, he/she may be unable to successfully complete the course or the program. Any break in continuous enrollment will require another complete Background Report.
Drug Testing:
All students enrolled in OCCC’s Behavioral Health Sciences program who participate in fieldwork and practicum placements must pass a randomly administered drug test(s). Please note - while medical marijuana is legal in the State of Oklahoma, it is generally not accepted in behavioral healthcare. The agency alone can accept or deny access to its fieldwork or practicum site based on the results of the drug test. Any break in continuous enrollment will require another drug test.
NOTE: The results of the required background report(s) and/or random drug tests may impact a student’s ability to continue or successfully complete a course, courses, or the BHS program. Students who have questions should contact the BHS Program Director.
Accidental Medical and Professional Liability Insurance:
All students enrolled in behavioral health sciences courses must have Accidental Medical and Professional Liability Insurance. The cost of the insurance policy (at the time of this printing) is $31.02 for one calendar year and is purchased in the Bursar’s office during normal hours of operation.
Way Around.
