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 bachelors degree in mental health, counseling, or social work. Some employers may require their employees to have a masters 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 masters degree. 

Some employers will hire job candidates with bachelors 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.

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.

Certification or Licensing

Most states require some form of credentialing for HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers. Many choose to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). To become certified by the NBCC, candidates must have completed a masters degree in counseling, which includes coursework in the following content areas: human growth and development theories in counseling; social and cultural foundations in counseling; helping relationships in counseling; group counseling theories and processes; career counseling and lifestyle development; assessment in counseling; research and program evaluation; professional orientation to counseling; and counseling field experience. Candidates also must have completed at least 3,000 hours of counseling work experience, document at least 100 hours of postgraduate counseling supervision over a minimum 24-month period, obtain an endorsement from a professional colleague who holds a master’s degree or higher in a mental health field, and pass a national examination. Upon successful completion of these requirements, the candidate is designated as a national certified counselor. The National Association of Social Workers also offers certification in several areas. Additionally, all states require some form of licensing, registration, or certification for anyone working as a social worker. Requirements vary by state, so you will need to check with your states licensing board for specific information.

HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers need experience working in hospitals and health centers counseling patients. They must have a genuine curiosity about the human body and the diseases that afflict patients in our society. Since HIV/AIDS is a serious disease, they must also have the ability to provide emotional support to patients who are likely to be experiencing fear and anxiety, as well as the ability to communicate clearly the facts about HIV/AIDS and its treatment. Case managers must also know how to help patients through the various stages of treatments as they cope with their disease. 

For individuals considering a career in HIV/AIDS counseling, certain personal qualifications may be just as important as having the correct educational background. Compassion, sensitivity, and the desire to help others are key qualities for these counselors. They must also be able to communicate effectively and sincerely and to listen with understanding.

HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers must be emotionally stable and resilient in order to keep from becoming depressed and discouraged by the nature of their work. They need to be able to avoid becoming too emotionally involved with their patients by balancing empathy with objectivity.