Counseling Psychology, AAS

Admissions

Based on a student’s selected courses and learning experiences, additional requirements may include background clearances, a tuberculosis (TB) test, program-specific forms, proof of health insurance, and documentation of immunization and general health status.

Essential Functions

Students admitted to the Counseling Psychology program are expected to perform the same essential functions of an employment position as a Behavioral Health Technician.  The essential functions are the basic cognitive, psychomotor, and affective activities that are essential to successful completion of the NCC Associate Degree Counseling Psychology curriculum. Essential functions are categorized as: Sensory (tactile, visual, hearing and smell) communication, psychomotor (gross motor skills, fine motor skills, physical endurance, physical strength, mobility), intellectual and cognitive abilities (reading, arithmetic competence, analytic thinking, and critical thinking), professional and social attributes (interpersonal skills, and communication) and application of legal/ethical principles and professional standards. All students are required to meet these essential functions. Allowing for individual differences, and encouraging program completion for students with a documented disability, the Counseling Psychology Program will work with the student and Disability Services to provide any reasonable accommodation to meet these essential functions. Contact the Counseling Psychology Coordinator if you have questions regarding these requirements. A detailed description of these Essential Functions (PDF) is found in the online college catalog here (PDF).

Background Checks

All convictions and pending or new charges known to the program applicant must be reported to the Counseling Psychology Coordinator immediately upon declaring the Counseling Psychology major. These include all felony and misdemeanor convictions.

Based on their choices in PSCO 250/260, students may be required to submit results of Pennsylvania State Police, FBI criminal background checks and Pennsylvania Child and Elder Abuse History Clearances to the Counseling Psychology Program  for review.

Participation in experiential learning activities in PSCO 250/260 is considered conditional pending receipt and evaluation of the background checks. Students with a positive Child Abuse History are not eligible for enrolling in PSCO 280. State Police and FBI Criminal History Check results are reviewed on a case by case basis.

A Counseling Psychology student must inform their Program Coordinator immediately if there is a change in the criminal background or child abuse clearance while enrolled in the program. In these circumstances, the student's eligibility to continue in the program will be re-evaluated.

Please be advised that individual internship sites may apply their own standards to determine what convictions would disqualify a candidate for eligibility for that internship site. The Counseling Psychology program will conform to the requirements of the internship site in this regard.  Also, a student with a positive background check who completes the program is not guaranteed employment.

Professional Conduct

Counseling Psychology  students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with the Policy on Professional Student Conduct found in the NCC student handbook, and the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and Classroom and Clinical Behavioral Expectations for Counseling Psychology Students  documents found in the Counseling Psychology program student handbook.

Progress in the Program

A student must maintain a grade of "B" (does not include "B-") or better in PSYC 235 and PSYC 258. Students must be 18 years of age by the first day of class in PSCO 280.