WHO MAY ENROLL IN THE
PROGRAM?
There are no academic prerequisites for the RHS Program. Any person
currently working for a regional health corporation, employed to
deliver village-based human services, or recognized by his or her
community as a natural helper or healer may enroll. A high school
diploma or GED, and previous training or work experience in the
delivery of village-based human services are recommended but are not
required. Students writing and math skills are assessed and referral
to an appropriate course placement is made.
WHERE IS THE PROGRAM DELIVERED?
RHS Programs are now available at five branches of the College of
Rural & Community Development (CRCD): (contacts
page) Interior-Aleutians Campus in
Fairbanks; CRCD office in Anchorage; Chukchi Campus in Kotzebue; Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel;
Northwest Campus in Nome (inactive).
Training sessions are held at different sites around the state. Each
location holds different expectations in terms of its structure and
situation. Each supervisor is notified prior to courses beginning of
all site requirements pertinent to that region, such as where, when,
expectation, etc.
HOW IS THE PROGRAM DELIVERED?
Most courses are delivered in intensive, residential week-long
formats. Training sessions last from one to three weeks. Since most
students are also working, it usually takes four semesters to earn a
RHS Certificate.
HOW THE RURAL HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM FITS
WITH
OTHER UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS?
RHS provides entry-level training and skill development and
enhancement for people who are currently employed in organizations
and agencies that deliver village-based human services. Besides
providing students with introductory training and skills, the
program may serve as a bridge between the workplace and higher
education. The program may also serve as a stepping stone to other
careers. Students who complete the program may choose to take
additional university courses toward an Associate of Applied Science
degree (A.A.S.) in human service or toward a Bachelor of Science
degree (B.S.) in social work or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in
rural development or psychology.
WHAT ARE THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS?
On average, the program takes 2 years (4 semesters) to complete and
requires
32 credits. Each week of the traditional sessions, a two-credit
class is presented. Students have a take-home project for each
class. In addition, there is an English requirement and 100 hours of
practicum work. Classes are listed a on a separate page.
*Please contact the region in which you are interested for student
advising.
English Requirement
In order to graduate, students must fulfill the UAF English
requirement. Students are tested for appropriate placement in an
English course which for many, is taught during evening sessions
and/or by audio conference.
College Credits
If students have attended any other college (besides any branch of
the University of Alaska), we will need an official transcript.
There is usually a small fee for obtaining this.
Practicum
Students will be enrolled in a 4-credit practicum during their
enrollment, generally their last semester. The students’ supervisors
will be actively involved in practicum choice and process. A
Practicum Manual will be provided that spells out the process and
requirements. A faculty member will meet with the supervisor in
person or by phone to detail the partnership.
ACADEMIC TRACKS AFTER RHS
Upon completion of all program requirements, students receive a
Certificate (diploma) from UAF. It is equivalent to one year of
college credit. Students who want to continue their formal education
can apply these credits to Human Services, Bachelors in Social Work,
or other behavioral health bachelor’s degrees.
TRAINING SESSION COSTS
The costs of for the training sessions may vary from site to site
depending on course schedules. Each supervisor and/or corporation
will be notified of costs pertinent to that region. There are
additional charges for the Practicum and English classes. Tuition is
due six weeks before the session begins. Refund policy is: 4 weeks
notice, full refund; 2 weeks notice, half refund, and less than two
weeks notice, no refund.
TRAVEL
Travel arrangements and costs are the employer's responsibility. The
least expensive fares are usually booked at least 21 days in
advance. Completion ceremonies recognize the students'
accomplishments. Supervisors are strongly encouraged to budget money
to attend depending on the region. |
