Professional Development
Mental Health Aide and Personal Caregiver
What does a Mental Health Aide and Personal Caregiver do?
Personal Care and Mental Health Aides assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), provide companionship and help create safe, therapeutic environments. In behavioral and mental health settings, they support psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and therapists with patient care involving psychiatric and substance use disorders. While unlicensed, these professionals are essential to the continuity and quality of care, supporting clients through all phases of treatment and life transitions with empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to their well-being and dignity.
Where Can You Work?
They offer holistic, person-centered support across a variety of care settings such as private homes, group homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, correctional institutions and behavioral health centers.
Length
19 Weeks
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
- Suitable vision & hearing (normal or corrected)
- Suitable psychomotor skills, hand-eye coordination, finger agility
- Ability to stand for an extended period of time and physical stamina for long shifts
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- eBook: Mosby’s Textbook for Nursing Assistants
- eBook: Foundations of Mental Health Care 8E
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Cost
$4,100
Mental Health Aide and Personal Caregiver
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Mental health care fundamentals
- Therapeutic communication and empathy
- Vital signs awareness and limited medical support
- Safety practices and infection control
- Documentation and care coordination
Courses - 19 Weeks
- Professionalism in Allied Health
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology
- Fundamentals of Mental Health Care
- Fundamentals of Personal Care and Residential Caregiving
Program Preview
Mental Health Aide and Personal Caregiver Job Possibilities
Residential Assistant
$26,470 – $30,840
ESTIMATED SALARY
Mental Health Specialist
$37,160 – $52,050
ESTIMATED SALARY
Mental Health and Personal Caregiver
$33,530 – $35,220
ESTIMATED SALARY
Certification Information
Upon completion of your training, you’ll be qualified to earn the Certified Home Health Aide credential and the Mental Health Technician Certification through the National Center for Competency Testing and the American Medical Certification Association.
Certified Home Health Aide
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is taking the lead in advancing the quality of home health care by offering the first-to-market home health care certification exam: Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA). For students, obtaining NCCT certifications means distinguishing yourself with a mark of excellence nationally recognized across the healthcare industry, while providing you with a significant advantage in the job market.
Mental Health Technician Certification
The Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC) is offered through the American Medical Certification Association. Obtaining MHTC certification demonstrates knowledge in the field of mental health care. The MHTC exam covers topics such as process and procedures, psychological development, pharmacology, medical office skills, patient care skills, and practice settings. After passing the exam and becoming certified, the MHTC certification must be renewed every two years through continuing education, some of which is offered by the AMCA.
Issuing Authority
Payment Options
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Program Comparison
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Emerge Education
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Community College
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Program & Tuition Cost
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$4,000 average
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Up to $20,000
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Exam Fees, Books & Materials
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Included
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Up to $750
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Job Ready In
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3–6 months
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24–48 months
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Schedule Flexibility
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On-demand 24/7
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Set class schedule
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Travel Requirements
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None: 100% online
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On-campus classrooms
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Student Support
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Personal Advisors: text, call and email access
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Professors: scheduled office hours
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Career Coaching
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Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers
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Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit
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Content Delivery
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3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning
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Professor lectures
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Meet Your Training Specialist
Kelly Lougee is your Training Specialist. She is here to help you understand the program, payment options and succeed! Get in touch with Kelly to learn more about the program and how to achieve your career goals. If you are a manager interested in group enrollment, please contact Kelly directly so she can assist you with the enrollment process.
FAQ
You will complete the courses in this program over 18 weeks, making students job-ready in 5 months. The program is flexible, allowing for assignments to be completed anytime, from anywhere, 24/7.
No, these courses do not count for college credit
Yes, our training program is fully online and asynchronous.