Human Services Technology

Wake Tech offers the Associate in Applied Science degree in Human Services Technology, with concentrations in Human Services, Addiction and Recovery Studies, Mental Health and Gerontology. Individuals who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a human services-related field may enroll in an Addiction and Recovery Studies Certificate program to pursue certification through the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. 

Graduates qualify for positions in mental health, child care, family services, social services, rehabilitation, corrections, residential services and educational agencies. 

Program philosophy

The Human Services curriculum is designed to train and prepare graduates to meet a range of client needs in various service-related settings to enable them to live more autonomous, satisfying, productive lives.

Program goals

• Prepare students for careers in Human Services
• Teach students how to effectively match client needs with available community resources
• Increase students’ capacity for self-awareness and facilitate their personal growth
• Help students develop thoughtful, genuine and empathetic attitudes toward other people
• Expand the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to help people help themselves
• Facilitate students’ entry into and success in bachelor’s degree programs

Client populations

Human Services graduates may work with the following populations:

• Elderly
• At-risk adolescents
• People with developmental disabilities
• People with mental illness
• Victims of domestic violence
• Homeless individuals and families
• People with addictions
• Persons with HIV/AIDS and other medical/public health issues
• Vocational rehabilitation clients

Who studies Human Services Technology?

Human Services Technology students range from recent high school graduates to adults seeking new skills or new careers options. Students come from a variety of cultural, religious, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, but they generally share the desire to give of themselves and have a positive impact on their communities.

These links can provide more information about opportunities in Human Services:

• Employment with Wake County Human Services
• Employment with North Carolina human services agencies
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation