The majority of behavioral health technicians do need some sort of postsecondary qualification to land a job. Some of them may obtain a postsecondary certificate or a two-year associate’s degree. For these individuals, a period of on-the-job training is typically necessary.
However, it’s strongly recommended that aspiring technicians earn a four-year behavioral health technician degree instead. A Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science degree serves as a strong qualification that can set you apart from other job applicants. This in-depth education will also prepare you to provide a superior level of care to the patients you will look after. Plus, there is the possibility for a higher salary if you possess more than the bare minimum of academic qualifications.
During the course of your studies for a BS in Behavioral Health Science, you can expect to study topics such as the following:
- Abnormal psychology
- Trauma psychology
- Human development and family dynamics
- Counseling theories
- Cultural and social diversity in behavioral health
In addition to earning your bachelor’s degree, you may later decide to earn a voluntary certification. While this certification is not required to begin working in the field, it can be helpful in securing a higher-level, better-paying job at your desired facility. With a certification, you may be recognized as a highly qualified paraprofessional who is committed to delivering high-quality patient care.
The American Association of Psychiatric Technicians offers four levels of certifications. You can take the Level One certification at any time after high school, followed by the Level Two certification after acquiring your degree and at least one year of work experience in the field. The eligibility requirements for Levels Three and Four are dependent on acquiring additional work experience.1