Sept. 18, 2009 – An estimated 22.1 percent of Americans 18 years and older, or 44.3 million people, suffer from diagnosable mental disorders each year. In order to meet an increasing demand for skilled mental health professionals, College of DuPage is now offering an online certificate program in Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
“Having the skill set this program offers is incredibly valuable for individuals who want to start working in this fast-growing arena,” said Frank Salvatini, C.O.D. Human Services professor. “Upon completion of this certificate program and internship, students are immediately qualified to work as mental health professionals at a very high-caliber level.”
The Psychiatric Rehabilitation certificate at C.O.D. is one of the only a few programs of its kind in Illinois that has received online course approval, Salvatini said. The certificate program includes four courses (16 hours) and a four-credit internship. The certificate does not require prerequisite work prior to enrollment, he said.
“This program is open to anyone with a high school diploma who is interested in a career that involves helping people,” Salvatini said. “The online version of this program does not compromise in any way the instruction received by students. There is currently an incredible need for qualified individuals in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation, and this program definitely delivers.”