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Clackamas Community College is participating in a statewide pilot program that enables graduates with an associate of applied science (AAS) in human services to register as Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA-R) in Oregon. This Oregon Health Authority initiative, running through spring 2029, aims to address the growing need for qualified behavioral health professionals.

Traditionally, QMHA-R registration in Oregon has required a bachelor's degree or three years of education and/or experience in behavioral health or a related field. This pilot program recognizes the training, education and field experience provided by human services AAS programs, allowing graduates to enter the behavioral health workforce faster and more effectively. 

According to the Oregon Health Authority, the objectives of the pilot are to:

• Reduce barriers to entering the behavioral health field by offering alternatives to the bachelor's degree requirement.
• Increase the number of certified QMHA-R professionals to meet growing demand, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
• Collect and analyze data to inform recommendations for permanent certification pathways. 

"There is a shortage of behavioral health providers in Oregon, especially in the rural and frontier communities in the state," Yvonne Smith, Clackamas Community College human services and gerontology faculty member, said. "Through this pilot, our program can give graduates the skills they need to meet the growing demand of behavioral health services and make a real difference in Oregon's most vulnerable communities."

The Human Services AAS program at CCC offers comprehensive coursework in counseling, ethics, crisis intervention and multicultural issues, complemented by supervised field experience. Students learn to provide direct services, advocate for clients' rights, and connect individuals with essential community resources.

With the pilot program set to conclude in spring 2029, CCC encourages prospective students to enroll to take full advantage of this opportunity. By completing the Human Services AAS degree during this period, students can expedite their entry into the mental health field as registered QMHAs.

For more information about the Clackamas Community College Human Services AAS program, visit the  Human Services Generalist webpage.