HIV/AIDS Counselors and Case Managers

High School

If you are considering a career in the field of HIV/AIDS counseling, you should emphasize sociology and psychology classes in your curriculum. Because this area of counseling requires an understanding of how the human body is affected by HIV and AIDS, you should also take classes such as biology, physiology, and health. To develop your communication skills, take English classes. You may also want to take a foreign language, which will give you the ability to communicate with non-English speakers.

Postsecondary Training

Although specific educational requirements for HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers vary, most employers require a bachelor's degree in mental health, counseling, or social work. Some employers may require their employees to have a master's degree. A college-level curriculum for a degree in mental health or social work is likely to include classes in counseling, sociology, psychology, human development, and mental health. To become certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, you must have a master's degree.

Some employers will hire job candidates with bachelor's degrees in other fields, such as education. To prepare for this work, include such classes as psychology and health in your course work. Gaining work experience will be essential, so look for internships or summer jobs that offer the opportunity to combine your interests, for example in public health education or with an HIV/AIDS service organization. If you cannot find a paid position, you can still strengthen your resume by doing volunteer work at an HIV/AIDS organization; many are involved in such areas as advocacy, education, and home support services.

Certification

Colleges and universities, online learning platforms, and other providers offer certificate programs in counseling, mental health counseling, and related fields. These programs typically last six months to a year. Such programs are a good way to build your skills without enrolling in a degree program.

Other Education or Training

Since these diseases receive so much attention from the medical, social, and even government arenas, there are often new developments in HIV-and AIDS-related treatments, policies, and services. In order to keep up to date, counselors and case managers must regularly continue their education by attending seminars or monthly in-service meetings.