As the new Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center prepares to open in 2026, the need for mental health professionals in the area becomes more apparent. Midland College announces the upcoming enrollment deadline for its new Mental Health Technician Program — the first of its kind in West Texas.
Interested individuals have until Monday, July 22, to apply for this comprehensive, two-semester program designed to prepare students and learners to work in the mental health field, in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the Permian Basin community. Thanks to scholarships, the program is fully funded for the 2024-25 academic year for the first 20 accepted applicants.
“This certificate program is a really important and innovative initiative that is a part of Midland College’s larger workforce development that we are creating for the Behavioral Health Center,” Dr. Stephanie Caples, Director of Behavioral Health at Midland College , said in a news release.
Those who earn the Mental Health Technician Certificate will have the opportunity to be placed at the Behavioral Health Center where they will serve as the eyes and ears of the inpatient facility, transporting patients, assisting with psychotherapy encounters, engaging in crisis de-escalation, and having regular interactions with the patients.
The application process for the Mental Health Technician Program is:
- Apply to Midland College.
- Complete the Health Sciences General Application.
- Submit transcripts to the MC Registrar.
In order to be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age by Sept. 1.
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have a negative result on a 10-panel drug screen.
- Maintain current health insurance coverage throughout the program.
- Have required Title 25, Texas Administrative Code §97.64 and Clinical Affiliate immunizations.
View a video on the program here.
