Behavioral Health Sciences
Program Description
The Behavioral Health Sciences certificate program through Arizona Western College provides students with mental/behavioral health knowledge and skills and the proficiency to implement essential care for individuals with various behavioral health situations and settings. The BHS program introduces students to behavioral health and social services. It provides a foundational study of effective communication and identifying signs and symptoms of an individual with mental/behavioral health illnesses. The BHS program includes courses designed to provide students with the skill set necessary to deliver fundamental competencies to treat those individuals with a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and developmental disabilities.
Arizona Western College, as part of its Behavioral Health Sciences certificate program, is proud to offer multi-track options for those entering the mental/health behavioral health field to those currently having roles within the mental/behavioral health discipline.
- BHS Track A - Provide students with a foundation in the study of human behavior and prepare them to assist in caring for individuals with mental illness, challenging behaviors, and comorbid medical conditions. The focus of this program is on didactic knowledge, hands-on learning experiences, and practical training.
- This is the recommended track for students with no previous behavioral health work experience or for those who wish to complete the full program.
- BHS Track B - Provide students with a foundation in the study of human behavior and prepare them to assist in caring for individuals with mental illness and challenging behaviors. The focus of this program is on didactic knowledge, hands-on learning experiences, and practical training.
- This track is only for students who have work experience or training for medical assistant, nursing assistant, or other healthcare related fields.
- BHS Track C - Is intended to provide students with a foundation in the study of human behavior and prepare them to assist in caring for individuals will mental illness, challenging behaviors, and comorbid medical conditions. The focus of this program is on didactic knowledge and practical training.
- This track is only for students currently working in the behavioral health industry.
Working as a behavioral health technician requires you to have these skills and traits:
- Compassion. Because behavioral health technicians spend considerable time interacting with patients, they should be caring and want to help people.
- Interpersonal skills. Behavioral Health technicians continually provide ongoing patient care, so they should develop a rapport with them. Gaining such connections makes behavioral health technicians better able to treat their patients and assess their condition.
- Observational skills. BH Technicians must monitor patients closely and be sensitive to any differences or changes in behavior. For their safety and that of their patients, they must identify signs of distress or concern among patients.
- Patience. Working with patients with mental/behavioral health concerns can be emotionally challenging. Therefore, BH technicians must stay calm in stressful situations.
- Physical energy. BH technicians must lift, move, and sometimes restrain patients. They must also spend a considerable amount of time on their feet.
Program Requirements
- Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card: $73.00
- TB Screen: $20-$30.00
- CPR/1st Aid: $55.00
The costs provided are estimates and are subject to change.
Degree(s) / Certificates(s)
Career Outlook
Behavioral Health Technician salary in Arizona:
Average salary $33,000/yr
Overall employment of psychiatric technicians and aides is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 16,500 openings for psychiatric technicians and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Alternative Career Paths:
- Residential Aide
- Case Manager
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Social service assistant
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Registered nurse (RN) career
Source(s): Intuit Mint and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Allied Health
Hours of Operation
- Normal Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 7:00am-5:00pm