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Behavioral and Mental Health Technician

Hy-Flex Associate Degree Program - 67 Credits

Behavioral and Mental Health Technicians provide meaningful care to individuals suffering with mental health or substance abuse issues. They have a range of responsibilities, from direct patient care, to administrative duties, to helping patients with daily activities such as eating, dressing and bathing.

Earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Behavioral and Mental Health from Southeast Technical College will provide the knowledge to promote holistic and evidence-based care in human services.

Scholarship Opportunity

Behavioral and Mental Health Technician Scholarship

The $10,000 annual Behavioral and Mental Health Technician scholarship, provided by the Seed For Success Foundation, is for eligible full-time students in the Behavioral and Mental Health Technician program. Preference is given to students with at least a 3.0 GPA. The Scholarship is renewable for persisting students if academic standards are met.

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Begin Your Career in Two Years

In just two years, students will earn an associate degree and begin making a positive difference in the lives of others.

A Hands-On Experience

Students in the Behavioral and Mental Health Technician program at STC will receive a hands-on education, taught by industry professionals, through interactive courses and training. Outside the classroom, students experience real-world learning through clinical rotations and field internships.

Your training in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will help you develop the skills you need to provide quality patient care techniques in behavior health settings. You will also learn to:

  • Solve Problems and Think Critically: Graduates will be able to demonstrate safe and effective patient care in mental and behavioral health settings, recognize changes in the condition of their patients and be able to intervene appropriately.
  • Communicate and Collaborate: Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will teach you to articulate interpersonal communication skills effective in mental health-related situations.
  • Gain Professionalism: As a Behavioral and Mental Health Technician, you will promote ethical standards in behavioral health patient care environments.

Mixed Learning Modalities

Coursework in the Behavioral and Mental Health Technician program is a mix of online courses as well as in-person and virtual lectures. Clinical courses are held in-person at various sites and facilities.

Job Outlook

Pathways: Job Market Outlook

What Can You Do With Your STC Associate Degree? 

Although many Behavioral and Mental Health Technicians work in mental health facilities or psychiatric departments, others find employment in long-term care facilities like nursing homes or assisted living communities, at homeless shelters, or with outreach organizations, home health aide agencies or substance abuse treatment facilities.

Explore Classes

The curriculum for STC's Behavioral and Mental Health Technician program includes classes in Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention, Substance Use and Addiction and Counseling Theory. 

View Curriculum   View Admission Criteria

Cost

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $255 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Costs  Cost and Fee Breakdown

  

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Other Programs Related to Behavioral and Mental Health

If you’re interested in a major in Behavioral Health, you might also be interested in these other programs at Southeast Tech: 

Early Childhood Specialist   Paramedic Science   Licensed Practical Nurse

Pabitra Basnet

"My experience at Southeast Technical College has been incredibly fulfilling. I have been able to deepen my understanding of students with different backgrounds, and the interactive nature of STC allows students like me to actively participate in hands-on learning. Faculty have played a critical role in creating a positive and supportive environment."

– Pabitra Basnet '25, Behavioral and Mental Health Technician

Healthcare News at Southeast Tech