Curricula of associate degree mental health/human-services training programs

Over 100 community college programs engaged in training people for mental health/human-services employment were studied in order to describe the curriculum most generally offered and variations most frequently found. In general, the programs have developed similarly: major emphasis on experiential learning of group dynamics, on techniques of interpersonal assistance, and on apprenticeship field work experience; and lesser emphasis on the organizational aspects of care and on relevant theoretical literature. Nevertheless, substantial differences exist between programs; for example, the specialization of the curriculum, the credit awarded for field work experience, and the types of settings used for field placements.