In response to Canada's aging population, the increased demand for mental health and addiction services, and a rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Durham College (DC) has developed the Behavioural Science Technician (BHTN) program, which will launch in September 2021.
Designed for learners who have an interest in human behavior, coupled with a desire to help others improve their quality of life, the interdisciplinary BHTN program focuses on teaching Applied Behaviour Analysis to support clients in a variety of settings related to education, family support services, mental health treatment and gerontology.
Through a comprehensive mix of theoretical, research-based and applied courses, students will develop the in-demand professional competencies that link the scientific, clinical, communicative and ethical aspects of behavioural science. This will allow them to assist with assessments and contribute to the design and application of behaviour change plans for clients with developmental disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, dementia and other conditions associated with aging.
"In addition to the core competencies taught in this program, there is also a strong emphasis placed on ethics, professionalism and interpersonal communication, which isn't common amongst other college behavioural science programs," said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. "When you combine that with the focus on service needs across a client's lifespan from a bio-psycho-social perspective, DC students will graduate with a greater breadth of knowledge which creates more career opportunities."
Students interested in learning more about the BHTN program can visit www.durhamcollege.ca/BHTN.
For more information
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa Ontario
Canada L1H 7K4
www.durhamcollege.ca/
