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Human Services Associate

  • Associate Degree
Human Services Associate Image

Program Number: 

105203

Program Credits: 

62.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$10,177.30

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring
Financial Aid Eligible

Helping others is as much of a calling as it is a career choice. As a human services associate, you will provide crucial information, resources, support, and advocacy for those facing a wide range of challenges. Western's program combines classroom instruction and field experience activities to give you the skills necessary to assist diverse groups of youth and adults dealing with issues like poverty, discrimination, child abuse, homelessness, addictions, physical and mental health problems, and disabilities.

Graduates find employment opportunities in various agencies, including county human services, community-based organizations, residential treatment programs, and other settings dedicated to assisting individuals in need. Additionally, you have the option to pursue a bachelor degree in social work or related human service programs through Western's transfer opportunities.

Read our blog to find out more about this career in action: Human Services Associate: Bridging Gaps, Transforming Lives [1]

In addition to the standard fall term start, this program has a spring term evening program with course sequences differing from those listed below. Please speak with an Admissions Coach [2] for more information.

To view the Human Services Associate program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [3].

Human Services Associate 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates117
Graduates Responding50
Employed in Related Occupation15
Employed in Non-related Occupations10
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education24
Not in Labor Market25

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding78
Average Hours Per Week1940
Average Hourly Wage$27.65 $18.83
Hourly Wage Range$15.45-$52.00$17.00-$22.06
Average Annual Salary$32,815

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Mental Health Tech, Library Asst, Server, Mentor, Recovery Coach, Behavioral Therapist, Special Ed Para, Reg Behavioral Tech, Caregiver, Housing/Fin Literacy Counselor, Neurodiversity Navigator, Probation/Parole Agent, Operations Mgr, Social Services Asst

Career Opportunities

Case Manager
Mental Health Coordinator
Child Support Specialist
Community Resource Specialist
Direct Support Professional
Economic Support Specialist
Human Services Technician

Program Outcomes

  • Model a commitment to cultural competence
  • Uphold the Ethical Standards and Values for Human Service Professionals
  • Demonstrate professionalism
  • Utilize community resources
  • Apply human services interventions and best practices
  • Cultivate professional relationships

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Program Specific Requirements

Additional Requirements:

To enroll in the Human Services Associate program, apply for admission to the College, contact the Welcome Center to make an appointment with a College Advisor [4] and please keep your contact information up to date at all times.

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [5].

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

  • Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [6].
  • Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
  • Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [7] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

  • Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [8]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [9].
  • The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [10] or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons [11]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Additional Information

  • Program Details [12]

Courses

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [13] for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [14] self-service portal for academic planning.

In Term 5, students are additionally required to take an elective course valuing 3 credits. The recommended course is Human Biology (806-198).

First Term

English Composition 1
Course Number: 10801136
Credits: 3.00
Intro to Human Services
Course Number: 10520100
Credits: 4.00
Intro to Psychology
Course Number: 10809198
Credits: 3.00
Introduction to Gerontology
Course Number: 10520150
Credits: 3.00
Strengths Seminar
Course Number: 10890106
Credits: 1.00

Second Term

Cultural Issues in Human Ser
Course Number: 10520105
Credits: 3.00
DisAbilities
Course Number: 10520118
Credits: 3.00
Interviewing and Documentation
Course Number: 10520103
Credits: 3.00
Professional Practices in Human Services
Course Number: 10520106
Credits: 3.00

Third Term

Developmental Psychology
Course Number: 10809188
Credits: 3.00
Intro to American Government
Course Number: 10809122
Credits: 3.00
Intro to Sociology
Course Number: 10809196
Credits: 3.00
Quantitative Reasoning
Course Number: 10804135
Credits: 3.00

Fourth Term

Abnormal Psychology
Course Number: 10809159
Credits: 3.00
Field Study 1 - Human Services
Course Number: 10520115
Credits: 3.00
Group Design and Facilitation
Course Number: 10520113
Credits: 3.00
Speech
Course Number: 10801198
Credits: 3.00

Fifth Term

Children and Family Studies
Course Number: 10520112
Credits: 3.00
Field Study 2 - Human Services
Course Number: 10520123
Credits: 3.00
Intro to Addiction & Substance Use Disor
Course Number: 10520107
Credits: 3.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] http://westerntcnews.org/2023/12/human-services-associate-bridging-gaps-transforming-lives/
[2] https://www.westerntc.edu/admissions-coaches
[3] https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/programs/documents/Professional_Liscensure_Disclosure.pdf
[4] https://www.westerntc.edu/college-advisors
[5] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[6] https://westerntc.libguides.com/blackboardforstudents/
[7] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[8] https://www.westerntc.edu/computer-labs
[9] https://www.westerntc.edu/regional-locations
[10] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[11] https://www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons
[12] https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/programs/documents/HSA_Supplemental_Information.pdf
[13] https://www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks
[14] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/