Mental Health Technician, Clock Hour Certificate

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).  Visit the program page for more details and how to apply.

Certificate Requirements

Course List

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

1. Correlate the spectrum of interventions and treatment for mental health, substance abuse, and addiction issues with the types of care delivery in the stabilization and rehabilitation of the mental health and developmental disability patient
   • Supports Core Ability: Process Information 
2. Conduct individual, group and family presentations and/or discussions for facilitating patient recovery and wellness
   • Supports Core Ability: Model Ethic and Civic Responsibility 
3. Evaluate patient education and information on the various resources and support groups available for the mentally ill, substanceusing or addictive client, and family members
   • Supports Core Ability: Think Critically and Solve Problems 
4. Perform as a member of a multidisciplinary team in the planning and implementation of care and treatment for individual patients
   • Supports Core Ability: Work Cooperatively 
5. Integrate oral and written communication skills for effective interpersonal communication and provision of therapeutic communication and support for the mental health patient
   • Supports Core Ability: Communicate Effectively