Skilled psychological well being technicians are in demand in Hawaiʻi, and a brand new certificates that may be accomplished at Windward Neighborhood Faculty in only one semester is aimed to develop that workforce. Not too long ago, Windward CC and the Hawaiʻi Division of Well being (DOH) acknowledged two graduates who earned a psychological well being technician certificates of competence. Jacqueline Turner and Cristine Lucas, each of whom work on the Hawaiʻi State Hospital, accomplished their certificates in spring 2022.
“I’ve been working in psychological well being for 25 years, and this certificates is my best achievement. I realized a lot extra!” stated Turner.
The psychological well being technician certificates of competence at Windward CC gives coaching for these coming into the sphere of psychological well being companies or as an enhancement for these at present working throughout the psychological well being or behavioral well being discipline. The nine-credit program prepares college students to work as assistants to psychological well being professionals in institutional settings, such because the Hawaiʻi State Hospital.
This fall, Windward CC is providing the psychological well being technician certificates of competence in a collection of three on-line programs that may be accomplished in a single semester—with tuition freed from cost. college students can study extra on-line.
Haʻaheo Pagan, profession and switch counselor, can help with the applying course of and sophistication registration. He could be contacted at [email protected] or (808) 235-7460.
“I’m old fashioned, and Windward CC offers you all the help that you just want with expertise. I’m so grateful for that!” stated Turner.
Constructing an academic pathway
“When Senator (Jarret) Keohokalole introduced Dr. (Run) Heidelberg and myself collectively to debate how we would construct an academic pathway for the Hawaiʻi State Hospital, it was a possibility to assist our establishments, our workers, and take care of psychological sickness in Hawaiʻi,” stated Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “These first graduates are our hope for elevated high quality of care and expanded profession alternatives in psychological well being for group members. I stay up for seeing this program and its impression develop.”
Psychological well being technicians are in demand on the Hawaiʻi State Hospital, Hina Mauka, elder care properties and thru referrals from Windward Well being Heart, Hawaiʻi Division of Training, well being care organizations and DOH.
“That is nice information for the Windward facet…to have Windward CC and the Hawaiʻi State Hospital collaborate on this partnership simply is smart. Our college students achieve entry to profession pathways right here the place they stay, and our group positive aspects a lot wanted experience in psychological well being,” stated Keohokalole.
Heidelberg, the Hawaiʻi State Hospital administrator, added, “We wish to be the chief in psychological well being in Hawaiʻi.”
—By Bonnie J. Beatson
