Behavioral Health Technician

Some continuing education courses are eligible for scholarship funding. Please contact the NCWorks Career Center at (828) 694-1755 for more information.

Course Description:

Learn the knowledge and skills necessary to enter into an entry-level position to effectively promote empathy, support and healing when working with people diagnosed with a mental illness. You will gain person-centeredness. Learn the five modules: The Foundation for Human to-Human Caring in Behavioral Health, Healthcare Must Haves, Understanding Mental Health Diagnosis and Care of the Whole Person, Human to Human Relating and a clinical externship will complete the course. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be eligible to sit for the Level 1 American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) Certification Exam. This course will prepare participants for entry-level positions as Behavioral Health Technicians/Aides, or Mental Health Technicians.

Enrollment requirements:

1. The student must be 18 years old.

2. Proof of required immunizations (see list below) are due within a 14-day period after registration occurs or you will be dropped from the course.

3. IDs required on the first day of class (names must match on both):

1. A Signed Social Security Card (paper card, non-laminated), or letter from the Social Security Office stating that card has been requested.
2. Current Driver’s License or government-issued picture ID.
3. High school diploma or GED.

4. You can register for the course when you view the course schedule below.

5. A statement will be signed the first day of class to confirm that the Student Handbook was reviewed and that students know how to access the document if needed during the course.

6. Course fees are due at the time of registration.

Immunization Requirements:

When registering for this course, students must ensure that they have the following immunization records available. Those records must be uploaded into the Viewpoint Health Portal. Please see instructions below. For questions or concerns about the requirements, or if you need assistance with this process, please reach out to our Clinical Coordinator Allison Yingst at (828) 694-4761 or email at: a_yingst@blueridge.edu

List of Required Immunizations:

• MMR: 2 doses required or titer
• Varicella: 2 doses required or titer
• Hepatitis B (proof of 1st dose at registration, with correct dosing following): titer also accepted
• TDAP/TD booster: expires every 10 years
• TB Screening
• Flu vaccine required if students are enrolled in courses that run between October 1st and April 1st.
• Covid: optional but some clinical sites might have additional requirements in place if students did not receive

Official immunization records/vaccines can be requested from your Primary Care Physician or the Health Department.

Online Registration and Waitlist:

Contact Us

Blue Ridge Community College
Allied Health Program Office and Registration:

Leigh Angel
Dean of Health Sciences
(828) 694-1729
la_angel@blueridge.edu

Sheila Merrill
Allied Health Program Specialist and Registration
(828) 694-1748
alliedhealth@blueridge.edu​