Behavioral Therapist

This program prepares students with an academic foundation along the career pathway of behavioral therapy to persons with disabilities. Training is provided in Applied Behavioral Analysis, needs assessment, case management, family support, resource referral, understanding of the IEP (Individualized Educational Program), client advocacy, counseling, etc. Students will develop an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to transition into entry-level employment and transfer opportunities in the practice area. 

The Certificate Program Learning Outcomes are:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to prepare for an entry-level paraprofessional position in behavioral therapy.

• Apply Applied Behavioral Analysis techniques when working with children and families. 

• Identify diagnostic criteria, skill deficits, needs and targeted behaviors exhibited by clients.  

• Assist consumers and family members in matching needs with available community resources. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. 

• Participate in role-play application scenarios applying principles of behavioral therapy. 

• Discuss, analyze and explain the ethical standards that guide behavioral therapy. 

• Complete and reflect upon service-based learning experience.  

Enrollment projections for courses are as followed:

Required Courses:

HMS-34: new course; no enrollment data available

HMS-35: new course; no enrollment data available

HMS-36: new course; no enrollment data available

HMS-37: new course; no enrollment data available  

HMS-38: new course; no enrollment data available

HMS-39: new course; no enrollment data available

WKX HMS 200: 32 students

Elective Courses:

HMS-6: 32 students

HMS-7: 32 students

HMS-22: new course; no enrollment data available

HMS-24: new course; no enrollment data available

HMS-25: new course; no enrollment data available

HMS-6, HMS-7, HMS-22, HMS-24, HMS-25, HMS-34, HMS-35, HMS-36, HMS-37, HMS-38, HMS-39, and WKX HMS 200 are actively available in Moreno Valley College inventory. 

The certificate program expects to have 15 – 20 students completing this certificate annually beginning in September 2020.

Mission of Moreno Valley College:  Responsive to the educational needs of its region, Moreno Valley College offers academic programs and student support services which include baccalaureate transfer, professional, pre-professional, and pre-collegiate curricula for all who can benefit from them.  Lifelong learning opportunities are provided, especially, in health and public service preparation.

The goal of the Behavioral Therapist Certificate is to prepare students for various paraprofessional positions providing behavioral therapy to individuals with disabilities and their families. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work as entry-level employees in a 1:1 in-home setting as well as in agency and school-based settings.  

Elective Courses (6 units total; 3 units each course) Units; Choose from list below:

HMS-6 Introduction to Case Management          

 HMS-7 Psychosocial Rehabilitation 

HMS-22 Human Behavior and the Social Environment     

HMS-24 Careers in Social Work – Self-Care for Human Services Professionals

HMS-25 Careers in Social Work – Crisis Intervention Management            

The certificate program requires the completion of 6 core classes, for a total of 19 – 22 units.

HMS-34 Behavioral Therapist - Counseling Emotionally Disabled Students 3 Units

HMS-35 Behavioral Therapist - Counseling Students with a Learning Disability 3 Units

HMS-36 Behavioral Therapist - Counseling Families of Special Needs Youth 3 Units

HMS-37 Behavioral Therapist - Counseling of Clients with Disabilities 3 Units 

HMS-38 Behavioral Therapist - Introduction to Applied Behavioral Analysis 3 Units

HMS-39 Behavioral Therapist - Introduction to Special Education and the IEP 3 Units

WKX HMS 200 Human Services Work Experience                         1-2-3-4 Units

In addition, the certificate program requires the completion of 6 elective units from the options listed below:

HMS-6 Introduction to Case Management 3 Units

HMS-7 Psychosocial Rehabilitation 3 Units

HMS-22 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 Units

HMS-24 Careers in Social Work – Self-Care for Human Services Professionals      3 Units

HMS-25 Careers in Social Work – Crisis Intervention Management 3 Units