St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) has developed an innovative program for individuals seeking to work in the behavioral health field to receive paid training en route to a rewarding career.

The St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Technician Training Academy is designed to provide the foundational education and groundwork to become a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) at St. Luke’s Inpatient Services. It is a full-time, paid, four-week training program with classroom training, simulation labs, electronic health record training and job shadowing. No previous experience is necessary.

The first BHT training class begins Sept. 19.

“St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Technician Training Academy is a new opportunity for individuals to join St. Luke’s in the clinical inpatient setting without having any experience,” said Cindi Reade, Network Director of Behavioral Health Support Services.

Reade explained that behavioral health technicians play a vital role in the delivery of healthcare for an acute inpatient psychiatric population. They help with administrative and clinical duties, including checking a patient’s vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring and maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment and supporting the nurse and the rest of the clinical team in delivering direct patient care.

The BHT Training Program’s classroom-based curriculum will include subjects like: Therapeutic Communication; Mental Health terminology, illnesses, and treatment; Vital signs and Activities of Daily Living; Safety and Management of the Patient Environment; Violence Prevention; Documentation in the Medical Record, and Teambuilding activities. The training program culminates with an assessment of skills learned and, upon successful completion, graduates will be placed into a BHT position within the inpatient clinical services of SLUHN.

For more information about the St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Technician Program or to apply for the program, please visit sluhn.org/BHTprogram