Human Services Technology
The Human Services Technology program prepares students for entry-level positions in agencies that provide human services, social services, educational services, treatment services, and community services. These agencies serve persons who are coping with mental and substance use disorders and/or are challenged because of disability, disadvantages, or circumstances that interfere with their ability to live full or independent lives.
The program is skills intensive, so students are prepared to move immediately into the workforce. There is an emphasis on ethics, integrity, and employability skills, which are essential to success in the field.
The program also prepares and guides students who are interested in furthering their education beyond the associate degree. Fieldwork and internships allow students to practice skills in a workplace setting before employment. The program offers two degree concentrations – Human Services: Substance Abuse Treatment and Generalist – for students pursuing the associate degree as well as a Substance Abuse certificate for students who hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a human services or related field.
For statistical information about the program, please see Human Services AAS Degree (Generalist Track) Data (PDF).
Credentialing Options
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC. During the advising process, you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.
Prospective students may also apply for the curriculum by contacting an advisor for the Human Services Department. For more information, call 336-334-4822, ext. 55054.
Stacey Inman, Program Director
336-334-4822, ext: 50804
[email protected]
Yes. Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822, option 3.
The Human Services Technology Department offers classes in three formats: seated, hybrid, and online. Some courses do not meet online, so you cannot complete the degree completely online. Although many classes meet in the evenings, some classes may meet just during the day, depending on scheduling and demand. In addition, most work-based learning (WBL) experiences require that you be available during regular business hours.
The associate degree is appropriate for you if you are entering the field with no prior degree and wish to work with substance abusers in a recovery setting.
You can complete the program in two years if you attend full time. You may also attend part time and complete the program at your own pace. You may need to take additional English or reading courses, which may extend the time necessary to complete the program.
Yes, you can earn both degrees, but doing so will probably take longer since the degree programs have different course requirements. For more information on specific courses in the programs, refer to the Human Services Technology section of the Course Catalog.
Local agencies conduct internships. For Substance Abuse Concentration Students, these agencies provide primary substance abuse treatment services and have North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) credentialed substance abuse counselors and/or supervisors on staff. A faculty advisor works with you to discuss sites that best suit your interests, strengths, and schedule.
GTCC offers many of the general education courses during the summer that you need to complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. GTCC only offers Substance Abuse (SAB) and Human Services (HSE) courses during fall and spring semesters.
GTCC offers many of the general education classes that you need to meet the requirements of the AAS degree at a variety of campus locations. Only the High Point Campus offers all SAB and HSE courses.
No. The NCSAPPB outlines the certification process. You can find these requirements at ncsappb.org. GTCC certificate and degree programs in substance abuse will provide you with the required number of educational/training hours needed. The degree will also provide you with the 300 hours of supervised practicum that the board requires. The information in all courses helps to prepare you for the written state credentialing exam.
No, but the program does offer a high-quality, cost-effective, and efficient path toward certification/licensure.
No degree can guarantee employment, but education and cooperative workplace experience in substance abuse treatment will increase the likelihood that you will be able to find a job in the field.