Behavioral Health Technician Certificate
Start a meaningful career helping others.
The Avicenna Allied Health Institute Behavioral Health Technician Certificate prepares students for entry-level work in behavioral health, mental health, substance use, and human services settings.
Behavioral Health Foundations
- Mental Health Fundamentals
- Behavioral Health Principles
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cultural Awareness
- Patient Rights and Advocacy
Patient Care & Communication
- Therapeutic Communication
- Patient Observation Techniques
- Documentation Procedures
- Ethics and Professional Boundaries
- Team-Based Healthcare Support
Safety & Clinical Practice
- Crisis Prevention Strategies
- De-escalation Techniques
- HIPAA and Confidentiality
- Professional Conduct
- Clinical and Community-Based Practice
What You Will Learn
Course Highlights
DAC 101 – Foundations of Dentistry (Weeks 1–5)
Course Description
This course introduces students to the dental profession, ethical and legal responsibilities, Texas regulations, infection control, and foundational biological sciences. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, safety, and readiness for clinical participation.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe roles of the dental team and professional expectations
- Apply Texas Dental Practice Act and TSBDE rules
- Demonstrate OSHA- and CDC-compliant infection control practices
- Identify oral structures and basic tooth morphology
- Perform foundational operatory and PPE procedures
DAC 102 – Clinical Sciences & Chairside Assisting (Weeks 6–10)
Course Description
This course develops core chairside assisting competencies, including dental anatomy, instrumentation, four-handed dentistry, patient management, ergonomics, and emergency procedures.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Accurately chart teeth and conditions using standard systems
- Demonstrate four-handed dentistry techniques
- Assist in restorative and anesthetic procedures
- Apply ergonomic principles in clinical care
- Respond appropriately to medical emergencies
DAC 103 – Radiography, Materials & Specialty Practices (Weeks 11–15)
Course Description
This course focuses on dental radiography, dental materials, and assisting in specialty procedures. Students develop diagnostic imaging skills, manipulate materials, and assist across dental specialties.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Apply radiation safety and ALARA principles
- Expose diagnostic bitewing and periapical radiographs
- Manipulate dental materials accurately
- Assist with orthodontic, periodontal, endodontic, and surgical procedures
DAC 104 – Practice Management and Communication (Weeks 16–18)
Course Description
This capstone course prepares students for workforce entry and certification by emphasizing practice management, Texas-allowed expanded functions, professionalism, and comprehensive review.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Perform basic front-office and communication tasks
- Demonstrate an understanding of Dental Office systems and software
- Synthesize knowledge for certification readiness
- Demonstrate professional clinical behavior
DAC 105 – Clinical Externship
Course Description
This course is designed to increase the level of proficiency in assisting in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and procedures of fourhanded dentistry and laboratory and clinical support functions. Upon completion, students should be able to combine theoretical and ethical principles necessary to perform entry-level skills including functions delegable to a DA II.
Learning Format & Schedule – Behavioral Health Technician
Online Delivery
Online Learning
Students complete readings, assignments, quizzes, and learning activities through the online classroom.
Instructor-Led Instruction
Students participate in guided lessons, discussions, and skill-building activities with experienced instructors.
Hands-On Practice
Students practice communication, observation, documentation, safety, and crisis-response scenarios.
Externship Experience
Students complete supervised field experience in an approved behavioral health or human services setting.
Class Times
Saturday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (for select labs or activities)
Programs run throughout the year except for holidays and scheduled breaks. Externships/clinical practice are scheduled at the end of the program and must be completed in full to graduate.
Why Behavioral Health Technician Program
What Students Will Learn
- Mental health and behavioral health fundamentals
- Therapeutic communication
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation
- Patient observation and documentation
- Ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality
- HIPAA and patient rights
- Cultural awareness and trauma-informed care
- Professionalism in healthcare
- Teamwork in clinical and community settings
Career Opportunities
Graduates may seek entry-level employment in settings such as:
- Behavioral health centers
- Mental health clinics
- Substance use treatment centers
- Residential treatment programs
- Community health organizations
- Social service agencies
- Crisis stabilization programs
Explore More
Possible Job Titles
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Mental Health Technician
- Psychiatric Technician Aide
- Recovery Support Technician
- Residential Treatment Technician
- Patient Care Support Staff
Who Should Enroll?
- Want to help people facing mental health or behavioral challenges
- Are compassionate, patient, and dependable
- Enjoy working as part of a healthcare team
- Want to begin a career in behavioral health or human services
- Are interested in future growth in counseling, social work, psychology, or healthcare
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate professional behavior in behavioral health settings
- Communicate appropriately with patients, families, and healthcare teams
- Recognize basic behavioral health conditions and patient needs
- Apply safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines
- Document patient observations accurately
- Support patient-centered and trauma-informed care
More Information About The Program
Admissions Snapshot (Behavioral health technician)
Program: Dental Assisting Certificate – 400 clock hours
Format: Hybrid (online theory + on-campus lab + clinical practice)
Basic requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Complete details on entrance requirements, transfer credit, reentry, and CPR training are provided in the Admissions section of the catalog.
Avicenna Allied Health Institute is a non-profit career school based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for entry-level roles in allied health. We are proudly approved and licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission. School Number S61325.
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