LYNNWOOD – Edmonds College announced the launch of its new Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BAS-BHSS) degree program. The program will supply the region with highly trained professionals and equip graduates for careers focused on mental health, recovery, and wellness through a unique, hands-on curriculum.
The Behavioral Health Support Specialist program is the sixth Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program to be offered at Edmonds College. (Photo courtesy iStock)
The BAS-BHSS program is ideal for individuals with professional-technical academic backgrounds seeking career advancement in behavioral health.
“The need for compassionate, skilled behavioral health support specialists has never been greater,” said Christina Coiro, BHSS Faculty member. “Our new BAS degree is specifically tailored to address this workforce shortage by emphasizing trauma-informed care, case management, and health equity. We are committed to developing a pipeline of professionals ready to meet the complex mental health needs of our community.”
The BAS-BHSS curriculum emphasizes practical application, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready and eligible to apply for Behavioral Health Support Specialist certification through the Washington State Department of Health.
Benefits for students include:
- Hands-On Focus: Unlike traditional theory-based programs, this degree requires students to complete two supervised internships, totaling 300 hours, providing critical real-world experience.
- Unbeatable Value: Tuition for the BAS-BHSS program is approximately half the national average for a bachelor’s degree, ensuring a high return on investment for career advancement.
- Flexible Format: The part-time, cohort-based program fits the lives of working adults, featuring upper-division BHSS classes that meet every other Saturday and Integrated Healthcare Management (IHCM) classes offered one evening per week.
- Strong Professional Network: The cohort model ensures students start and complete the program with the same group, fostering a supportive environment and building a strong professional network.
- Personalized Support: Students receive personalized attention through small class sizes and an assigned program manager who serves as a dedicated academic advisor.
The degree focuses on practical skills required for immediate employment, including interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based interventions, counseling skills, behavioral health assessment, and care coordination. Graduates master the responsibilities and ethics required of the modern Behavioral Health Support Specialist role.
Edmonds College is currently recruiting for a winter 2026 pilot cohort. Interested candidates should email bhss@edmonds.edu for more information. Applications for the general fall 2026 cohort will open soon.
Edmonds College | edmonds.edu
The college serves approximately 17,000 students annually, including approximately 800 international students from about 55 countries. The college currently offers six Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, one Bachelor of Science degree, 66 associate degrees, and 111 professional certificates in 30 programs of study. The college operates two on-campus residence halls housing approximately 400 students. The college has a wide range of comprehensive offerings: College credit in high school, basic education skills to receive a high school diploma/GED or to prepare for college, short-term non-credit training, continuing education, online degrees, and certificates, offered day, night, and weekend. Support services include childcare, a campus food pantry, 211 navigator, and mental health resources.
Source: Edmonds College
