Behavioral Health Microcredential
What is a Microcredential?
Whether you are looking to upgrade skills in your current profession or enter a new field, a microcredential may be for you. Microcredentials are short, industry-focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills that reflect the “shop floor” needs of industry. They are accelerated or “bite sized” training opportunities focused on a specific professional or career discipline and can lead to a certificate or to an initial or advanced degree.
Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. BHTs help doctors and nurses with the treatment of patients who have such behavioral problems as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental instability, or of those who suffer from physical and emotional abuse or who identify as having disabilities. BHTs typically provide therapeutic care and monitor patients’ conditions. These professionals often work in hospitals, shelters, and mental health facilities, but recently the training has been incorporated in the area of care coordination and community health work.
Students who have successfully completed this microcredential will have:
- Demonstrated professional skills and abilities.
- Demonstrated appropriate professional identity and commitment to ethical practice.
- Demonstrated a core set of skills and theoretical background essential for employment
in the field.
- Recognized diversity and the role cultural competence plays in the proper delivery
of behavioral healthcare.
Behavioral Health Microcredential Courses
This 54 hour course prepares students to work as Behavioral Health Technicians (BHT) in the field. Behavioral Health Technicians care for people who have mental impairments. They assist doctors and nurses with the treatment of patients who have various behavioral problems, such as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental instability and physical and emotional abuse or trauma. Technicians typically provide therapeutic care and monitor their patients’ conditions. BHTs help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe, clean environment. They are expected to understand and implement individual treatment plans, record patient behavior and provide a safe, supportive environment. Technicians may provide patients with their daily prescribed medications in addition to observing and recording activities of daily living. It is important to understand the need for mental health and substance abuse professionals in today’s healthcare landscape.