Program for this in-demand field launches in September 2021

Oshawa, ON – In response to Canada’s aging population, the increased demand for mental health and addiction services, and a rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Durham College (DC) has developed the Behavioural Science Technician (BHTN) program, which will launch in September 2021.

Designed for learners who have an interest in human behavior, coupled with a desire to help others improve their quality of life, the interdisciplinary BHTN program focuses on teaching Applied Behaviour Analysis to support clients in a variety of settings related to education, family support services, mental health treatment and gerontology.

Through a comprehensive mix of theoretical, research-based and applied courses, students will develop the in-demand professional competencies that link the scientific, clinical, communicative and ethical aspects of behavioural science. This will allow them to assist with assessments and contribute to the design and application of behaviour change plans for clients with developmental disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, dementia and other conditions associated with aging.

“In addition to the core competencies taught in this program, there is also a strong emphasis placed on ethics, professionalism and interpersonal communication, which isn’t common amongst other college behavioural science programs,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “When you combine that with the focus on service needs across a client’s lifespan from a bio-psycho-social perspective, DC students will graduate with a greater breadth of knowledge which creates more career opportunities.”

Students interested in learning more about the BHTN program can visit www.durhamcollege.ca/BHTN.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

 

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing
m: 416-648-5453
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca