Bremerton, Wash. – Olympic College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Healthcare (BASBH) has received full approval from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) as a Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) Education Program, establishing the program as a state-approved educational pathway for students pursuing Washington’s BHSS credential.
“This approval represents much more than recognition of our degree program,” said Dr. Grace Jones, Behavioral Healthcare Program Coordinator at Olympic College. “It confirms that our curriculum meets the state’s educational requirements for this emerging behavioral health profession and creates a direct connection between our students’ bachelor’s education and Washington’s behavioral health workforce.”
The BHSS credential is part of Washington’s effort to strengthen and expand its behavioral health workforce. Olympic College’s approval positions BASBH graduates to enter the field with a DOH-approved educational foundation.
“This designation reflects the intentional work that has gone into building the BASBH program around both student success and workforce needs,” said Dr. Mirelle Cohen, faculty member in the Sociology, Behavioral Health, and Substance Use Disorder Professional programs. “We are excited about what this creates for our graduates and the communities they will serve.”
About Olympic College’s BAS in Behavioral Healthcare:
The BASBH prepares students for careers in behavioral healthcare through advanced education, applied learning, and workforce preparation. Launched in 2024, the program enrolls 25 students annually. Graduates are prepared for critical roles in behavioral health support, case management and care coordination, intake and discharge planning, applied behavior analysis, and residential or crisis care settings.
For more information about the program, visit the BAS in Behavioral Healthcare page on the Olympic College website.
