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Behavioral Health Microcredential

What is a Microcredential?

Whether you are looking to upgrade skills in your current profession or enter a new field, a microcredential may be for you. Microcredentials are short, industry-focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills that reflect the “shop floor” needs of industry. They are accelerated or “bite sized” training opportunities focused on a specific professional or career discipline and can lead to a certificate or to an initial or advanced degree. 

Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. BHTs help doctors and nurses with the treatment of patients who have such behavioral problems as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental instability, or of those who suffer from physical and emotional abuse or who identify as having disabilities. BHTs typically provide therapeutic care and monitor patients’ conditions. These professionals often work in hospitals, shelters, and mental health facilities, but recently the training has been incorporated in the area of care coordination and community health work. 

Students who have successfully completed this microcredential will have:

  • Demonstrated professional skills and abilities.
  • Demonstrated appropriate professional identity and commitment to ethical practice.
  • Demonstrated a core set of skills and theoretical background essential for employment in the field.
  • Recognized diversity and the role cultural competence plays in the proper delivery of behavioral healthcare.

Behavioral Health Microcredential Courses

This 54 hour course prepares students to work as Behavioral Health Technicians (BHT) in the field. Behavioral Health Technicians care for people who have mental impairments. They assist doctors and nurses with the treatment of patients who have various behavioral problems, such as substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental instability and physical and emotional abuse or trauma. Technicians typically provide therapeutic care and monitor their patients’ conditions. BHTs help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe, clean environment. They are expected to understand and implement individual treatment plans, record patient behavior and provide a safe, supportive environment. Technicians may provide patients with their daily prescribed medications in addition to observing and recording activities of daily living. It is important to understand the need for mental health and substance abuse professionals in today’s healthcare landscape.

This course examines alcoholism and substance abuse from historical, biological, psychological, social and cultural perspectives. It presents theoretical frameworks that help students understand the nature and course of chemical abuse and dependency, as well as strategies to prevent its onset. The course introduces the assessment and diagnostic process as well as treatment approaches.

This course will focus on alcoholism and substance abuse/dependency counseling. Current research, theoretical models, and methods in the treatment process will be examined. The practical development of counseling skills will be emphasized. This course can be used as a social science elective. 

This course introduces major theories and concepts in contemporary psychology. Topics covered include biopsychology, sensation and perception, learning, memory, thinking and intelligence, lifespan, consciousness, motivation and emotion, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders, health psychology, sex, gender, and sexuality. The course introduces students to scientific methods related to psychological research.

Part-time TAP for Non-Degree Credentials Eligibility

The Behavioral Health microcredential is eligible for the New York State Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for Non-Degree Credentials program. Provided that you meet the income eligibility requirements, this program may be able to contribute toward the cost of tuition. Income eligibility is as follows:

  • $125,000 for dependent undergraduate students, independent students who are married and have tax dependents, or independent students who are unmarried and have tax dependents
  • $60,000 for married independent undergraduate students who have no other dependents
  • $30,000 for unmarried independent undergraduate students with no dependents

If you believe you earn less than the amount listed in the criteria above, you should apply by completing the FAFSA and TAP applications. Please note you have a lifetime of eight semesters of TAP. These will be prorated for the number of credits you earn, but will use a portion of your lifetime TAP eligibility. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 518-381-1468 or email to financialaid@sunysccc.edu with any questions. 

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