Mental Health Support Professional Online Apprenticeship Program - MedCerts

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HI 7300A

Mental Health Support Professional

Apprenticeship Program

NOTE: This program requires active employer participation, and thus is not available to all who seek it.

This dual certification program provides a well-rounded education to start a career in the Mental Health industry.

Earn your certifications in 51 Weeks!

Start
Anytime

100%
Online

Exam Fee
Included

51 Weeks
Program Length
MHTC,  
CEHRS 
Certifications
$45,710
Avg. Starting Salary*
AMCA
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Issuing Authorities

This program is NOT available to residents in the following states: AR, MO, ND, NV, OK, PA, RI, SC, WI

Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region of residence or employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment. These restrictions may not apply to students taking programs through an employer, academic or government-sponsored model - including MyCAA and Army, Air Force or Coast Guard Credentialing Assistance. To determine eligibility, please confirm with your sponsor or review our military spouse MyCAA-approved or Military Credentialing Assistance-approved programs.

Interested in Creating an Apprenticeship Program

As a registered apprenticeship intermediary with the Department of Labor, we handle the heavy lifting, certification training and apprenticeship paperwork.

Mental Health Support Professional Online Training

Healthcare Organization Costs

Employers can pay for the training, use tuition reimbursement funds, or utilize apprenticeship government funding to possibly cover both the training cost and wages.

Monthly Payment Options Starting At $302 Grants Available to Help With

Apprentice participants are promoted to full employees and regular pay rates when they complete their programs.

Training Costs $5,000 At Time of Student Enrollment

MedCerts handles all intermediary responsibilities, paperwork and administrative tasks so the organization doesn't have to.

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No Credit Check

Discover your eligibility without a credit check.

The pricing listed above for a monthly payment plan is an estimate for the cost of an 12-month payment plan including down payment. Final pricing is given at time of purchase and may vary from both pricing examples above.

*Students in Maryland are not eligible for MedCerts payment plans but may be eligible for other tuition options. Speak to an Education Consultant for further information.

Questions on Apprenticeship?

As a registered DoL intermediary, we're ready to answer any and all questions you have.

What does a Mental Health Support Professional Do?

A Mental Health Support Professional, also known as mental health technician, mental health care worker, psychiatric technician, mental health assistant or behavioral health associate, is an individual who assists psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed mental health therapists in the care of clients with psychiatric illness and/or developmental disabilities. While many choose to work in psychiatric units in general hospitals, some choose to work specifically in more focused areas. Some of the more common specialized mental health settings include outpatient mental health wings of hospitals, correctional institutions, addiction residential facilities, and psychiatric group homes.

139,600
Entry Level Jobs in the US
Mental Health Support Professionals will see available jobs grow 11% over the next ten years.
All available job and salary information is from Burning Glass Labor Insights and is updated annually to reflect industry changes.

What You’ll Learn
HI 7300A
Mental Health Support Professional

The Mental Health Support Professional Apprenticeship program is designed to prepare individuals for a fulfilling and high-demand career in mental health care. In this field, professionals assist licensed mental health practitioners, including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and therapists, in providing comprehensive care for psychiatric patients.

This program readies students for certification as a Mental Health Technician - Certified (MHTC) by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) through the NHA. These certifications prepare students for tasks in mental health care, pharmacology, medical office and patient care, practice settings and a comprehensive understanding of psychological development, including mental health disorders.

The core course, H1-7013: Fundamentals of Mental Health Care, establishes a robust foundation for graduates to care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions. The curriculum delves into mental health while also covering administrative and patient intake topics. The interactive course engages students with virtual scenario-based learning exercises and three-dimensional clinical skills demonstrations.

Given that graduates will work in healthcare, fluency in the language of medicine and a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology are crucial. H1-1014: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology addresses these fundamentals.

In healthcare facilities, electronic health records (EHR) and web-based software are commonplace for documenting client care and managing practices. H1-1018: Electronic Health Records imparts knowledge of practice management, EHR software, and a solid understanding of HIPAA and HITECH privacy and security laws.

Beyond certification exams, today's top job candidates must possess soft skills and practical knowledge for success in any work environment. PS-1011: Professionalism in Allied Health provides training in professionalism based on input from employers and industry professionals, equipping students with sought-after soft skills.

Payment for both the Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exams are covered by MedCerts. The Registered Apprenticeship program is comprised of MedCerts online training programs as well as 2000 hours of on-the-job training with a sponsoring employer. MedCerts Apprenticeship programs combine class training and “on-the-job training” to provide individuals the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned with an employer to quickly become a strong contributor in the workplace.


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  1. Demonstrate understanding of Electronic HeaIth Record (EHR) functionality and documentation
  2. Distinguish intake, crisis care, inpatient care and discharge duties
  3. Recognize psychology and substance use terminology and apply that knowledge where applicable to psychiatric team communication
  4. Demonstrate skills in observation, communication, interpersonal needs and working well under stress
  5. Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and HITECH privacy and security laws
Mental health support specialist Hero

Enrollment Requirements

  1. High School Diploma or GED
  2. Web browser with internet connection
  3. Course registration & payment

MedCerts-Covered Materials*

  1. Expert-led video based training
  2. Introduction to Anatomy and Medical Terminology: A Course Companion (PDF)
  3. eBook: Foundations of Mental Health Care 8E
  4. Competency assessments
  5. National Certification exam fee

Student Services

  1. Dedicated Student Success Advisors
  2. Tailored support based on performance & behavior
  3. Exam preparation process
  4. 1 yr. post-program access to Career Center & Career Coaches

*The cost of all materials needed for this program are covered by MedCerts. They are not included in the tuition costs and the student is not liable for any costs or fees related to the above materials.

Required Courses
PS 1011A

Apprenticeship Professionalism in Allied Health

32 hours
Length
4 Weeks
Duration

This course will benefit anyone considering a career in allied health, as well as those already working in the field. Allied Health Professionals must be committed to the key attributes of professionalism and strive to reflect this within the delivery of patient-centered safe and effective care. “Professionalism” is a broad term that reflects many different skills and abilities. For an individual to exhibit professionalism, he/she must be armed with specific skills and abilities that do not always show up within certification requirements, or even within a career training curriculum. Soft skills are hard to measure and are typically less well-defined than hard skills. However, soft skills are what set many job candidates apart. Professionalism is not just what one knows, it is how one does their job, how one behaves and how one comes across as they interact with others.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with soft skills training that will provide the tools needed to demonstrate a higher level of professionalism on the job. Key components of the course focus on patient interaction, proper office behavior, medical ethics, diversity and cultural bias, emotional strength, professional appearance and communication. The course maintains a focus on the key attributes that are true markers of professionalism.

This course was created with input from healthcare professionals working in the field, healthcare employers that hire our graduates, professional educators and even former MedCerts students. The end result is a collection of modules that touch on the soft skills that are TRULY important in the real world of allied healthcare. In this course, students are engaged through scenario-based learning that allows for real interaction with virtual co-workers and patients. Additionally, game-based activities keep students engaged and entertained throughout their learning journey.

    • Gain an understanding of the expectations of an allied healthcare professional in the workplace
    • Develop and exercise emotional intelligence, self-management and interpersonal skills
    • Build and improve internal and external communication skills with all exchanges
    • Enhance the patient care experience with successful interactions and patient satisfaction
    • Maintain solution-oriented conversations, manage conflict and build self-confidence
HI 1014A

Apprenticeship Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology - 18 Week

96 hours
Length
18 Weeks
Duration

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the language of medicine, through the study of prefixes, suffixes, root words, abbreviation, and pronunciation of words. The curriculum also includes an anatomy and physiology app that enables students to explore, visualize, interact, and experience the anatomy of the human body in 3D and augmented reality (AR). Students will examine the organization of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, hematic, lymphatic and immune, and cardiovascular systems in the human body. They will become familiar with the medical terms that relate to the respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, and excretory systems. Students will also examine terms related to the sensory organs, with a concentration on the organs for hearing, sight, and smell. This immersive experience will trigger thought processes and enhance learning outcomes in their Anatomy and Physiology program. The app has about 50 simulations across different topics.

    • Recognize the structure and function of the 11 body systems and their organs
    • Understand the medical language that is used to describe those systems
    • Analyze and understand medical terms by breaking down their word components
    • Appreciate the major diseases and conditions related to the human body
    • Apply your knowledge within the healthcare setting
HI 7013A

Apprenticeship Fundamentals of Mental Health Care

96 hours
Length
18 Weeks
Duration

The course provides the foundational knowledge required of a clinical allied healthcare professional, as well as those working with individuals with psychiatric illness and/or intellectual disabilities. It has been designed to prepare students to achieve the status of Mental Health Technician - Certified.

Emphasis is placed on the intake process, crisis care, inpatient care and discharge planning duties and related knowledge. This course includes topics related to mental health disorders, substance use disorders, behavioral crisis management, ethical behavior, HIPAA compliance, anatomy and physiology, infection control, use of personal protective equipment, comprehensive electronic health records and effective communication. It also addresses psychiatric pharmacology, aspects of medical law related to the psychiatric healthcare setting, support of the client through all phases of treatment, and maintaining client safety throughout the client's time in treatment

In this course, students are exposed to a variety of eLearning elements that allow hands-on interaction with the screen for an engaging education. In addition to video-based instruction that provides foundational knowledge, a variety of other learning methods are utilized for engagement, entertainment, and inspiration throughout training. These include interactive skill activities, game-based learning, an immersive environment for critical thinking skills, and hands-on simulations providing the student opportunities to interact within the mental health setting while assisting the psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and therapists, all of which are key skills for the Mental Health Support Specialist

    • Apply confidentiality and adhere to laws, regulations, and standards set forth by HIPAA and recognize ethical standards, ethical practice, and legal requirements in the mental health field
    • Compare the early years of mental healthcare to modern day practice
    • List traits and characteristics of psychological development from childhood to adulthood
    • Identify the theoretical approaches and applications to mental health care
    • Discuss impaired mental health and behavioral signs and symptoms
    • Differentiate improper and proper protocols related to mental health care
    • Name common mental health care medications, routes of administration, and effects on clients
    • Demonstrate knowledge of vital signs, assisting with examinations, and accurate charting
    • Describe first aid or CPR response to common emergency situations
HI 1018A

Apprenticeship Electronic Health Records

64 hours
Length
11 Weeks
Duration

This course provides students with the skills and certifications for the development and maintenance of electronic health records in both facility and private practice environments. Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to sit for the CEHRS, and will have gained the knowledge required to perform a variety office functions necessary in the digital/electronic age. Students are introduced to, and are provided training and practical application of skills in a variety of areas related to Electronic Health Records. Ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements will be covered along with training in the hands-on Electronic Health Record software. Students will also receive comprehensive training in the areas of Professional Fees, Billing, and Collecting, the Health Insurance Claim Form, Third-Party Reimbursement, Banking Services and Procedures, Health Information Management, Computers in the Medical Office, Medical Records Management, and much more.

    • Background in Software & Applications
    • Basic Insurance & Billing practices
    • Understand Electronic record keeping Chart components
    • The Regulatory Compliance Laws
    • How to identify differences between Reports
Code Course Duration
PS 1011A 4 Weeks
HI 1014A 18 Weeks
HI 7013A 18 Weeks
HI 1018A 11 Weeks
Total Program Duration 51 Weeks

Mental Health Support Professional

Job Opportunities

Psychiatric Technician

$37,380 – $58,880*
Estimated Salary

Behavioral Health Aide/Technician

$44,150 – $82,710*
Estimated Salary

Mental Health Specialist

$37,160 – $52,050*
Estimated Salary

Disclaimers

  1. This program requires active employer participation, and thus is not available to all who seek it.
  2. This program is NOT available to residents of the following states: Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Wisconsin
  3. While MedCerts training and related target certifications may be accepted and/or approved by your state of residency, employers reserve the right to dictate prerequisite education, experience, or certification/licensure requirements for their positions. We strongly advise students to research target job posts from area employers and relevant state requirements, barriers, or restrictions prior to enrollment to ensure eligibility upon graduation.