MHT vs. Mental Health CNA

Jules A, MSN · Oct 22, 2008

Hi Linda,

I could be wrong but I don't think our techs have a certificate or license. If you want to only work in psych as a tech while you are in nursing school you probably don't need your CNA but ask around to make sure. I'd also suggest considering LPN school if you will need to work because you can make a decent income working in psych while you continue on for your RN. Good luck.

muzzy, RN · Nov 11, 2008

Where I work in Oregon our mental health techs have to be CNAs because often the ydo everything a CNA does, bathe pts, take VS, help with ADLs.

I think it differs with every facility.

aloevera · Nov 12, 2008

Our techs are called Mental Health Techs.....no degree required except a CNA license...ask a psych facility near you what is required in order to become a MHT...our MHT's do searches, take vitals, etc. we have therapist's (licensed-master degree) that are the counselors.

DavidLCPCCSADC · Nov 15, 2008

Linda, In the Chicago area you can earn a certificate at most of the local community colleges that will qualify you to enter the MHT positions. Some of the Mental Health Worker positions may require a BA degree at a minimum but most "tech" positions will require less. Here's a link to the program at Moraine Valley College in the SW Burbs: http://www.morainevalley.edu/programs/general/1445.htm

Good luck

PatricksRNMommy · Nov 18, 2008

I think that it varies from state to state, but in FL you don't have to have any special certification to be a mental health technician. The facility I worked at trained us for a week in a classroom and then we were out on the floor. We took vital signs, supervised patients on the unit, accompanied them to meals and outside for activities, ran psychoeducational groups, and helped with ADLs as needed. I really enjoyed it and found it very rewarding.

Try contacting psych facilities in your area and see what their educational requirements are. Good luck :)

yuyu75 · Nov 18, 2008

OMG... I WISH it was that easy. You are so lucky. Here in Chicago, IL it is so hard. There are not alot of free standing psych facilities, mostly hospitals with psych units and you need a bachelors in psych/socialwork etc to get into mental health. I really wish they had something like what you went through, it would solve ALOT of my problems. I am a stay at home mom wanting to go to school but i dont know if I want nursing (mental health nurse) or mental health worker. I don't have the time or money for a lot of schooling,but i am scared to do the nursing. How was nursing school for you? I would do the Associate in nursing program. I seriously almost want to move by you just so i can take the route you did!! Thanks for the reply!

DavidLCPCCSADC · Nov 18, 2008

Linda, If you're considering the nursing schools at the local community colleges, you'll find that the entrance requirements to be very competitive. They typiocally have many more applicants than they have available slots. Four year degree programs will be easier to enter but tuition will be much higher and the time needed will be longer. You might want to start by taking some classes and getting the pre-requisite courses out of the way.

Besides the hospitals (and they do not all require the BA degree), you might want to look at the tech positions in the Psych-oriented nursing homes but many of them will want you to have the Psych Rehab Certificate which would qualify you as a provider for medicaid/medicare.

whodunit · Nov 27, 2008

hi,

there are both mental health techs who have very little training and cnas who work on our units and their jobs are the same.as for me, i think cnas are better because the mhw usually cannot even get you a manual b/p if you need it and they are not trained enough to even let the rn know when there is a bad b/p:mad:. good luck with whatever you decide!