IN DEMAND

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

MISSION: To educate and train dedicated Behavioral Health Technicians to give initial and direct care to individuals coming from a variety of backgrounds. To understand the complexities of persons in crisis and meet their needs with empathy and compassion. Work as a team to initiate and implement plan of care whether it be in an acute or inpatient setting.

The Highlands College (CTS) Certificate of Technical Studies program is designed to train and educate students in one semester and prepare them for entry level employment in the medical and mental health field. Students will undergo an intense 15 credit load, 90% online via distance technology and interactive education. A physical safety assessment will be conducted toward the end of the semester by an in person MOAB training which will give students an additional certification. Students will take courses in the following subjects: Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, Mental Health and Addiction, Elements of Counseling, Crisis and Behavioral Management, Behavioral Lab Practicum. Upon completion of the program students can directly enter the workforce or use their education as a basis for many areas of study within the medical and mental health fields.

In an acute setting, a BHT is responsible for supporting and upholding a client’s crisis or immediate medical need and transition them through the proper channels of care. In an inpatient care facility, they will work to promote a client’s individualized treatment plan, organize daily function, and work with the treatment team to promote healthy healing.

Behavioral Health Technicians can continue their education in Mental Health, Psychology, or Social Work. Many use their education and training to prepare for careers as MSW’s, LCPC’s, Clinical Psychologists, and law enforcement. Highlands College strives to prepare students for an adapting and challenging workforce and promotes growth far beyond the educational years of this institution.

QUICK FACTS• 20-25% of Americans have a

diagnosable mental and/or substance use disorder in any given year

• Only 40% of individuals with mental and/or substance use disorders get treatment

• Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States

• Rising rates of suicide and opioid abuse are driving a shocking increase in the death rate of working age Americans

• As the number of older adults double over the next two decades so will the number of older adults with mental disorders

• 2016 Median Pay:$28,670 per year | $13.78 per hour

• Overall employment of Behavioral Health Technicians and aides is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026

• Behavioral Health Technicians and aides work in psychiatric hospitals, residential mental health facilities, Emergency Rooms and related healthcare settings

BE THE SOLUTION

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIANFOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ryan MulcahyBA RMA, AEMT

rmulcahy@mtech.edu406-496-3779Highlands College

Typical Curriculum PlanBehavioral Health Technician (BHT)

Behavioral health technicians work with doctors and nurses to implement treatment plans for people facing behavioral problems.

APPLY ATwww.mtech.edu/admissions

Montana Tech1300 W. Park St. | Butte, MT 59701

1-800-445-TECH | www.mtech.edu

Class Schedule: One SemesterFundamentals of Abnormal Psychology PSYX 240

Mental Health and Addictions AHHS210

Theories of Counseling and Treatment CAS 201

Behavioral Crisis Management AHHS 212

Behavioral Lab practicum AHHS 295

Total Credits for BHT : 15 Credits

Skills needed to be successful:• Empathetic and caring• Patient and kind• Good at planning and organizing• Creative and flexible• Enthusiastic about healthcare• Passionate yet pragmatic• Qualified with the proper credentials

and degrees• Reliable computer & internet

Admissions Requirements:• Apply to Highlands College and pay $30

application fee. www.mtech.edu/admissions

• Turn in official high school transcripts/GED

• Submit immunization records

• Take the ACCUPLACER Test

• Students must have started or have 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine, a current TB skin testing or chest x-ray, and MMR.

HealthCARE Montana is a workforce solution 100% funded by a $14.9 million grant (#TC-26447-14-60-A-30) awarded

by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The grant period is October 1, 2014

- September 30, 2018.

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training

Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.

Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express

or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to,

accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.

The HealthCARE MT TAACCCT-IV project provides equal opportunities (EO) to all applicants without regard to race,

color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic

information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state

and local regulations.