Mental Health Technician (CTC) (Closing Fall 2026)

• Leads to State or Organizational License or Certification:  Upon successful completion of the first 165 clock hours, students will be eligible to take the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examination. After successful completion of the program and further work experience of 1,000 hours of competency in the fields of mental health or substance abuse, students may also be eligible to sit for the Florida Certification Board (FCB) exam to become credentialed as a Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT). 
• Cost Associated with taking the exam:  TBD
• Where to take the exam:  Florida Certification Board   for Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT)

This program is closed for new applicants. Current students in the Mental Health Technician CTC have been notified and should work with their assigned academic advisor to plan the scheduling of courses needed to complete the program.

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) Program prepares students for employment as mental health technicians, psychiatric aides or technicians, and nursing assistants. The MHT works in a variety of healthcare facilities under the supervision of a psychiatrist, registered nurse, counselor or social worker to participate in development and implementation of basic nursing care and therapeutic treatment plans for patients with mental health, substance abuse, and addiction issues. Students will complete all of the Florida Department of Education mandatory training requirements for individuals entering a healthcare field and specific career-based training in physical assessment, psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, developmental disabilities, health and wellness education, emergency and crisis intervention, and basic nursing assistant skills.

Upon successful completion of the first part of the program, students will be eligible to take the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examination. After successful completion of the program and further work experience of 1,000 hours of competency in the fields of mental health or substance abuse, students may also be eligible to sit for the Florida Certification Board (FCB) exam to become credentialed as a Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT).  

Program-Specific Admissions Information: This is a limited-access program; student must submit a separate application to the program.

Refer to the Career and Technical Certificates  overview page to find information about admission, graduation, testing, and other requirements. 

Visit the program page for more information or call 321-433-7575.

Program of Study 

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
HSC 0003	Basic Healthcare Worker	90
HCP 0621	Articulated Nursing Assistant	75
HCP 0810	Mental Health Technician	315
Total Hours:		480

A grade of 'C' or higher is necessary in each course for progression and graduation.

Learning Outcomes 

1. Perform Blood Pressure measurement accurate to within 4 mmHg both systolic and diastolic in laboratory & clinical environment to assist health care team.
   • Core Ability Supported: Work Cooperatively
2. Demonstrate successful integration of knowledge across the curriculum.
   • Core Ability Supported: Process Information
3. Demonstrate effective working relationships needed to accomplish team goals & objectives
   • Core Ability Supported: Work Cooperatively
4. Perform hand washing according to skill performance checklist in laboratory & clinical environment for patient & team safety
   • Core Ability Supported: Work Cooperatively
5. Synthesize knowledge and skills to pass the FL state CNA exam.
   • Core Ability Supported: Process Information