5 answers
Alexandra
Student
Missoula, Montana
4
Questions
Updated
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What job would include mental health and the function of the brain but has less schooling years?
I’ve been researching jobs that’s related to psychiatric since that’s really close to the type of field I want to work on. But I would prefer being in college for two years, maybe four if needed.
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5 answers
Karli Helm
Copywriter
15
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Karli’s Answer
Hi Alexandra! I’d look into different forms of social work. You can go to what is called a vocational school, specifically for what you’re trying to do, and while the length of education can vary, it’s possible to get certified in less than 4+ years.
Nina Current, MS, RD, LD, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
6
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Nina’s Answer
You could also look into an MHA (Mental Health Assistant - akin to a Nursing Assistant type role). You could also look into becoming a dietitian or a diet tech. These positions are needed in the mental health space AND the neurology space. Registered dietitian licenses require a master's though (so a minimum of 5 years of you do a joint program) so might not be exactly what you're looking for, which is why I included Diet Tech - that requires a lot less school.
Check out https://www.cdrnet.org/NDTR and https://www.cdrnet.org/RDN for more information about both careers
Nina recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1921
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alexandra !
There are a lot of jobs in the social service field for Bachelor level degreed people, such as social service case management. If you become a case manager, you will continually go to trainings run by mental health organizations, hospitals, etc. and will learn only the basics. I recommend getting at least a Bachelors degree for the better positions in the job market. As a social case manager, you won't be doing any serious psychiatric work, however, you will need to understand basic human behavior and be able to support your clients. One off-shoot is to become a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) which doesn't require any college degree the last time I looked, rather a certification course of study. It varies according to state. You can also apply "on the job" work experience towards your CASAC. Only do this if you have an interest in working with this population.
I would say go into research, however, from the looks of it, you will need a college degree. When it comes to matters of the brain and human behavior, as much education as possible is required and expected. There's a lot to learn, know and retain and research skills are also needed. Also expected are excellent oral and written communication skills.
It is possible to go four years to be a Bachelor level social worker, however, you have to realize that the competition will be there with most having at least a Masters degree for the same jobs that you may want to apply for. The pay is great at a Masters level, but not as good for the Bachelor level.
I would suggest applying for entry level jobs at an Autism Center or an organization that serves people with Brain Injury. Also apply for local city, county or state jobs at places like your local Department for the Aging, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Commission for The Blind, or any social service. Get your foot in the door and take their on-going trainings and see how it goes for you.
I see that you are concerned about the length of study. There are two main things one must consider in the field of human behavior or anything that includes the function of the brain . Firstly, there is a lot to learn. Secondly, for a substantial paying job, most people that do go into this field do have Masters or Ph D degrees. They will send their resumes out just like you will and this is where the competition comes in. Also, if you go to college, you will make strong contacts through classmates, professors and various on campus programs and have a better network system. But it is completely up to you to decide what route you are able to go. You may decide to go back to school later on, too.
Part of this field of study is to immerse yourself in it, on-going learning and the learning doesn't stop after someone graduates college. You may want to start out small, take it slow until you discover the perfect fit for what you want to do.
I wish you all the best in this decision !
There are a lot of jobs in the social service field for Bachelor level degreed people, such as social service case management. If you become a case manager, you will continually go to trainings run by mental health organizations, hospitals, etc. and will learn only the basics. I recommend getting at least a Bachelors degree for the better positions in the job market. As a social case manager, you won't be doing any serious psychiatric work, however, you will need to understand basic human behavior and be able to support your clients. One off-shoot is to become a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) which doesn't require any college degree the last time I looked, rather a certification course of study. It varies according to state. You can also apply "on the job" work experience towards your CASAC. Only do this if you have an interest in working with this population.
I would say go into research, however, from the looks of it, you will need a college degree. When it comes to matters of the brain and human behavior, as much education as possible is required and expected. There's a lot to learn, know and retain and research skills are also needed. Also expected are excellent oral and written communication skills.
It is possible to go four years to be a Bachelor level social worker, however, you have to realize that the competition will be there with most having at least a Masters degree for the same jobs that you may want to apply for. The pay is great at a Masters level, but not as good for the Bachelor level.
I would suggest applying for entry level jobs at an Autism Center or an organization that serves people with Brain Injury. Also apply for local city, county or state jobs at places like your local Department for the Aging, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Commission for The Blind, or any social service. Get your foot in the door and take their on-going trainings and see how it goes for you.
I see that you are concerned about the length of study. There are two main things one must consider in the field of human behavior or anything that includes the function of the brain . Firstly, there is a lot to learn. Secondly, for a substantial paying job, most people that do go into this field do have Masters or Ph D degrees. They will send their resumes out just like you will and this is where the competition comes in. Also, if you go to college, you will make strong contacts through classmates, professors and various on campus programs and have a better network system. But it is completely up to you to decide what route you are able to go. You may decide to go back to school later on, too.
Part of this field of study is to immerse yourself in it, on-going learning and the learning doesn't stop after someone graduates college. You may want to start out small, take it slow until you discover the perfect fit for what you want to do.
I wish you all the best in this decision !
Monica Hipsher
Acitvity Director and visionary consultant
3
Answers
Logansport, Indiana
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Start with your local college for your state and ask them about the best route to take for this area of study. Psychology EVERYTHING is my topic and also what I am going to school for now, at 34. Ultimately, college is a very beneficial and rewarding time. That doesn't mean that it is something you have to lock yourself into right away. Still, taking your time to gather your resources is always smart for future purposes. That is where your state college will be more than ready to assist you with. But make the choices that will best meet your needs, and do not be sold into the college life until you are ready to make that dedication.
Wishing you all the best,
Monica Hipsher
Google search local colleges
Get Phone Number
Set up a tour
Be honest and ask about resources
prepare any other questions you might have (like certificates vs associates)
Wishing you all the best,
Monica Hipsher
Monica recommends the following next steps:
Patty Neville
COTA
2
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Patty’s Answer
Hi!
I think it depends on just how involved you want to be. You could become an Occupational therapy practitioner and work in a psychiatric hospital with various age groups (adolescent, adult, geriatric) and even with persons from the forensic side (those client's that are deemed not competent to stand trial) or even the smaller group of clients that are not guilty by reason of insanity.
The psychiatric field is quite large and diverse and can even depend on just how in-depth you want to go.
I think it depends on just how involved you want to be. You could become an Occupational therapy practitioner and work in a psychiatric hospital with various age groups (adolescent, adult, geriatric) and even with persons from the forensic side (those client's that are deemed not competent to stand trial) or even the smaller group of clients that are not guilty by reason of insanity.
The psychiatric field is quite large and diverse and can even depend on just how in-depth you want to go.