Direct Care Practice Certificate

School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Professional Careers
HEGIS: 5501

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2019 to Summer 2020. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Certificates Defined

Certificate programs are designed to provide a mix of theory and practical training leading to immediate employment upon completion. People who pursue certificates might have an advanced degree and typically want to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. Others might enroll in a certificate program to “test the waters,” with an eye toward pursuing an associate’s degree. Credits earned now in a credit-bearing certificate will apply later toward an associate’s degree at Westchester Community College. Click to learn more about the differences among the award types.

Program Description

The certificate in Direct Care Practice is especially useful for those employed in the human services who wish to upgrade their skills and marketability. It is also designed to meet the needs of those who have a degree in another discipline but wish to seek employment, make a career change, or volunteer in human service agencies and organizations.

Opportunities for social and human service workers are expected to be excellent and are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations up to the year 2020, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Employment opportunities are available in numerous human service environments. These include but are not limited to: child-care agencies, group homes, shelters, sheltered workshops, hospitals, services to the aging, clinics, and community mental health centers. The cornerstone of this certificate program is its emphasis on case management.

The certificate in Direct Care Practice includes courses and fieldwork (available in over 100 agencies and schools) where students learn to apply their knowledge and skills to actual work situations. Those who complete the certificate and decide to continue their studies may transfer completed course credits into the college’s A.A.S. degree program in Human Services.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical knowledge base necessary for employment as a human service professional.
Demonstrate the ability to apply the major values and ethics of the human service profession.
Demonstrate the human service practice skills necessary for work with individuals, families, and groups.
Demonstrate the ability to function effectively in entry-level positions in human service agencies.

Program Requirements

HSERV 101 - Introduction to Social Work
HSERV 102 - Human Behavior and Social Development/Lifespan
HSERV 200 - Ethnic and Cultural Diversity
Free Elective (3 credits, any college course)

The following courses must be taken together:

Minimum Total Credits - 25

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Direct Care Practice Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.