Program Overview

Program Overview, Frequently Asked Questions, and Related Information

Overview

Human services workers are individuals with specialized training as a helping professional. They assist human services professional staff, such as social workers or psychologists. They may hold a wide variety of jobs in group homes and halfway houses; in mental health and correctional centers; in family, child and service agencies. Jobs may also be within programs concerned with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence and aging to name a few. Their role may include helping others obtain services, monitoring and keeping records, organizing or leading group activities, assisting clients in mastering everyday living skills, or overseeing adult group home residents. Job titles may include social service technician, case management aide, community outreach worker, residential counselor, eligibility specialist or mental health technician.

If you have always wanted to work in a field where you could help people or if you are presently working in a human services field, and would like to obtain additional training, consider enrolling in our program.

Whichever career you choose, the first step of your academic and professional plan should be with LCC's Human Services Programs. We can provide you with the academic and career preparation assistance needed to get you where you want to go. For specific enrollment information, or to pursue any questions you may have about career opportunities, contact the Human Services Programs at 517-483-1410.

Frequently Asked Questions

What courses do I need to take?

Associate Degree in Human Services:
Curricular Guide #0915
Certificate of Achievement in Human Services:
Curricular Guide #1201
Certificate of Completion in Human Services:
Curricular Guide #1199
Certificate of Completion in Aging Studies:
Curricular Guide #1806

This curriculum is designed to satisfy the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) between two-year and four-year institutions in Michigan. However, satisfying the MTA is not required. Not all courses in this program transfer to all colleges. Students planning to transfer should see the Human Services Program Director 517-483-1433 before enrolling in any course.

In what order should I take courses?

Human Services coursework is limited in summer semester. Students are encouraged to take general education courses during summer.

Students should meet with the program director to plan their program in advance. The Certificate of Achievement and Associate Degree are two-year programs because of the consecutive two-semester practicum. Full-time and part-time schedules are included in the Advising Packet.

GERO 100-take during the first fall or spring semester; it is a prerequisite to HUSE 282 Practicum I.
GERO 164-191-take during the first fall and spring semesters; it is a prerequisite to HUSE 282 Practicum I working with the elderly.
HUSE 100-take during the first fall or spring semester; it is a prerequisite to HUSE 282 Practicum l.
HUSE 105-take during the first fall or spring semester; it is a prerequisite to HUSE 282 Practicum I.
HUSE 110-take the first fall or spring semester; it is a prerequisite for HUSE 282 Practicum I working with children and/or families.
HUSE 112-required for addiction practicum only. Take the first fall or spring semester in the program; it is a prerequisite to HUSE 282 Practicum I.
HUSE 242-take the first fall or spring semester; it is a prerequisite to HUSE 282 Practicum I.
HUSE 282 and 284 (practicum courses) requires the prerequisites be completed and departmental approval.
HUSE 293 and program approved electives-please meet with the program director to choose course(s) appropriate to practicum.
WRIT 121 should also be taken early in the program, see assessment tests for further information; it is a prerequisite to HUSE 282 Practicum I.

What is a prerequisite?

Prerequisites are courses or competencies you must have before being permitted to enroll in a course. Check the prerequisites listed in the College Catalog before registering. You will not be permitted to register for a course if you do not have the prerequisite, or an override. Overrides are granted if you have transferred a prerequisite course or have received permission to waive the prerequisite by the program director.

What is the practicum?

The practicum is a supervised field placement for a structured experiential hands-on learning experience. Students directly apply and develop skills, professional values and competencies in an actual work setting under the supervision of a human services professional. Students spend 10 hours per week in a human services agency in their area of specialization. Practicum begins in fall semester only, and is completed through the following spring semester. The Human Services Program Director and Lead Practicum Coordinator selects agencies for placement. A scheduled practicum class accompanies the practicum experience.

What are the practicum requirements?

NOTE: The Human Services Certificate of Achievement and Associate Degree include practicum courses. Any student with a felony and/or misdemeanor conviction is required to make an appointment and meet with the program director before entering this program and before applying for practicum. A criminal background check is required before acceptance into practicum. Practicum students are subject to policies of Lansing Community College and agency policies. Human service agencies comply with the Public Health Code Act 368, amended by Act 303, September 03, 2002. This may require additional criminal background checks, fingerprinting, and drug/alcohol screening, etc. Students placed in an agency with programs for children and families require a DHHS Central Registry Background Check as well. All costs related to these requirements are the responsibility of the student. Practicum students must adhere to the policies and procedures for placement with an agency before enrolling in HUSE 282 and HUSE 284.

Practicum starts every fall semester and continues through the following spring semester.
Students must complete and return the practicum application to be considered for fall practicum. Please see below for additional information.
A minimum overall GPA of 2.5. A minimum grade of a 2.0 is required in all general education courses, and a minimum grade of 2.5 in all required GERO, HUSE, SOWK courses are required.
Completion of HUSE 100, HUSE 105, HUSE 242, two HUSE specialization courses, and WRIT 121 is mandatory prior to practicum for all students.
Completion of HUSE 112 and HUSE 242 is mandatory prior to practicum for those students desiring practicum placement in an addiction agency.
Completion of HUSE 110 is mandatory prior to practicum for those students desiring practicum placement working with families and/or children.
Completion of GERO 100, and three credits of Gerontology seminars is mandatory prior to practicum for those students desiring practicum placement working with older adults.
All students are required to demonstrate in writing volunteer work, and/or life experience and how that experience has prepared them for the Human Services Program and work in the human services field.
All students are required to submit in writing the type of agency and/or population they desire for their practicum experience.

How do I apply for the practicum?

There is an application process for acceptance into the practicum. The practicum application packet is available in January from the Health and Human Services Department Office, Health and Human Services Building, Room 108. Return all completed application materials to this same office by March 1^st.

When should I see an advisor?

Students are encouraged to see the Program Director early on to plan a class/ program schedule for practicum placement.

How do I apply for my degree?

The semester before you finish all of your requirements for your Certificate of Completion, Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree you will need to meet with the Human Services Program Director to complete a request for graduation and pre-audit. The college will then check to make sure you met all of the requirements and will contact you if there are any problems.

Health and Human Services Building (Room 108)
Phone: 517-483-1410
Fax: 517-483-1508

Contact Us

Human Services Program

Health and Human Services Division Office

HHS Building, 108
517-483-1433
517-483-1508 fax

Additional Contact