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June 30, 2019
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HUDSON — To meet the needs of local health care providers, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has added a new, short-term
training program to prepare students for work in the mental health care field.
Beginning in fall 2019, CCC&TI’s Caldwell campus in Hudson will offer the mental health technician program, which is designed to give students the
knowledge and skills to provide safe, therapeutic patient care to people who have mental and behavioral health needs in an effective and ethical
manner.
Topics will include:
» History of mental health care.
» Identifying normal growth and development.
» Importance of trust and communication in health care.
» Proper safety in the workplace.
» Chemical dependency and its effects.
» Common psychiatric disorders.
» Proper documentation for patients.
» Understanding and respecting patient rights.
Successful completion of the program will prepare students for the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians Level 1 certification exam, and
entry level positions such as psychiatric aides, mental health care technicians and health care technicians and certified nursing assistants whose
primary patient population has special mental health/behavioral needs.
Brandy Dunlap, dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, says that the program is being added as a direct result of local employer
needs. “This is an industry-recognized training that will help them in the new positions with Caldwell UNC and Appalachian Regional Healthcare,”
said Dunlap. “Both organizations are increasing their mental health capacities and are looking for people with mental health experience.”
CCC&TI’s mental health technician Program will be offered through both online and seated instruction and will include lecture, module assignments,
module tests and case studies.
Classes will run from Aug. 20 to Nov. 1.
The seated portion will take place every other Tuesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for a total of 18 seated classroom hours. The remaining coursework will be
delivered online.
Cost for the program is $181. Students must be a current Nurse Aide I with proof of valid N.C. Nurse Aide Registry and have a high school diploma or
equivalent.
For more information about the program or to register, call 828-726-2242.