Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) play a crucial role in supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
In Arkansas, the demand for compassionate, skilled MHTs is growing as healthcare facilities expand services to meet community needs.
This career is ideal for those interested in hands-on patient care, behavioral health, and making a meaningful impact on local healthcare.
Go to Section:
- What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
- Education Requirements in Arkansas
- Top Schools Offering Mental Health Technician Programs in Arkansas
- #1 Pulaski Technical College
- #2 University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
- #3 Arkansas State University – Newport
- Certification Options in Arkansas
- Step-by-Step: How to Become a Mental Health Technician in Arkansas
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Mental Health Technician in Arkansas?
- Cost to Become a Mental Health Technician in Arkansas
- Job Outlook for Mental Health Technicians in Arkansas
- Salary for Mental Health Technicians in Arkansas
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
Mental Health Technicians in Arkansas are responsible for providing daily care and support to patients experiencing mental illness, emotional distress, or behavioral challenges.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting patients with daily living activities such as hygiene, meals, and mobility
- Monitoring patient behavior and documenting progress
- Supporting therapeutic activities and treatment plans
- Responding to behavioral crises and providing emotional support
MHTs work in a variety of settings across Arkansas, including hospitals, residential treatment centers, psychiatric clinics, and community mental health facilities.
While the terms Mental Health Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, and Psychiatric Technician are sometimes used interchangeably, there are subtle differences.
MHTs focus on general mental health care, BHTs often emphasize behavioral interventions, and Psychiatric Technicians may have more specialized training in psychiatric care.
Education Requirements in Arkansas
To become a Mental Health Technician in Arkansas, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED.
However, completing a certificate or associate degree program in behavioral health can improve job prospects and provide specialized skills.
Relevant coursework often includes:
- Psychology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Patient care techniques
- Behavioral health and crisis management
Top Schools Offering Mental Health Technician Programs in Arkansas
#1 Pulaski Technical College
About the School
Pulaski Technical College is located in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and is known for its career-focused programs in healthcare, business, and technical fields.
The school emphasizes hands-on training, small class sizes, and strong connections with local employers, making it a practical choice for students seeking to enter the mental health field quickly.
Courses Offered
The Behavioral Health Certificate program at Pulaski Technical College includes courses such as Introduction to Behavioral Health, Patient Care Techniques, Psychology, Crisis Intervention, and Clinical Practicum.
The program combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical hours at local hospitals and treatment facilities, giving students real-world experience in patient care and behavioral monitoring.
Program Cost
The Behavioral Health Certificate requires about 30 credit hours to complete.
Tuition for in-state students is approximately $135 per credit hour, making the total tuition around $4,050.
Additional costs for textbooks, uniforms, and clinical fees may bring the total to roughly $5,000 to $5,500.
The program can typically be completed in 6 to 9 months if attending full-time.
Contact Information
- Address: 3000 W Scenic Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72118, United States
- Phone: +1 501-812-2200
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
About the School
The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville offers a supportive environment for students pursuing applied science degrees.
It has a strong focus on healthcare and technical programs, with experienced faculty and partnerships with local hospitals and clinics to provide students with practical, hands-on experience.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Applied Science in Mental Health includes courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Abnormal Psychology, Patient Care Fundamentals, Behavioral Health Interventions, and Clinical Practicum.
Students spend significant time in clinical placements, learning patient observation, documentation, and supportive care techniques under supervision.
Program Cost
The program requires 60 credit hours to complete.
In-state tuition is approximately $125 per credit hour, bringing tuition to about $7,500.
Factoring in textbooks, lab fees, and clinical costs, the total program cost is usually between $8,500 and $9,500.
The program generally takes 2 years of full-time study to complete.
Contact Information
- Address: 2005 White Dr, Batesville, AR 72501, United States
- Phone: +1 870-612-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
#3 Arkansas State University – Newport
About the School
Arkansas State University in Newport is a regional university that emphasizes practical career training and accessible education.
The campus supports students with academic advising, career services, and connections to local healthcare employers, helping graduates transition smoothly into the workforce.
Courses Offered
The Mental Health Support Services Certificate program includes courses such as Introduction to Mental Health, Behavioral Observation, Patient Care and Safety, Crisis Intervention, and Supervised Clinical Experience.
Students gain direct exposure to patient care and mental health support in a variety of clinical settings across the state.
Program Cost
The certificate program requires 28 to 32 credit hours.
Tuition for in-state students is about $130 per credit hour, totaling roughly $3,640 to $4,160.
When including textbooks, clinical fees, and other materials, students can expect the total cost to be around $4,500 to $5,000.
The program can typically be completed in 6 to 8 months of full-time study.
Contact Information
- Address: 7648 Victory Blvd, Newport, AR 72112, United States
- Phone: +1 870-512-7800
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| | #1 | Pulaski Technical College |
| | #2 | University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville |
| | #3 | Arkansas State University – Newport |
Certification Options in Arkansas
While Arkansas does not require state-specific licensure for MHTs, obtaining a nationally recognized certification can enhance employment opportunities and credibility.
Popular certifications include:
| Certification | Provider | Exam Required | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMHT | National Association of Mental Health Technicians | Yes | 2 years |
| Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) | NHA | Yes | 2 years |
| State MHT License | Arkansas State Board of Nursing | Varies | Varies |
Certification usually requires passing an exam and may involve ongoing continuing education for renewal.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Mental Health Technician in Arkansas
- Meet eligibility requirements – You must meet age requirements and pass a background check.
- Complete required education or training – High school diploma is minimum; certificates or associate degrees are preferred.
- Gain supervised clinical experience – Hands-on patient care is essential for skill development.
- Pass certification exams (if applicable) – Obtain a CMHT or BHT credential to enhance your qualifications.
- Apply for state licensure/registration (if required) – Verify any Arkansas-specific regulations.
- Apply for jobs – Hospitals, mental health clinics, and community programs in Arkansas actively hire MHTs.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Mental Health Technician in Arkansas?
- Fast-track path: Certificate programs with clinical hours can take around 6 months.
- Typical path: Associate degree or extended certificate programs with experience may take 1–2 years.
Cost to Become a Mental Health Technician in Arkansas
Program costs vary depending on school and program length.
Certificate programs typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, while associate degree programs may cost $10,000 to $20,000, not including fees for textbooks, uniforms, and clinical placements.
Certification exams may also have separate fees ranging from $150 to $400.
Job Outlook for Mental Health Technicians in Arkansas
The demand for MHTs in Arkansas is growing, particularly in hospitals, residential care, and community mental health programs.
Employment opportunities are concentrated in urban areas like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith, but rural regions also need skilled technicians.
This career offers long-term stability as mental health services continue to expand statewide.
Salary for Mental Health Technicians in Arkansas
Salary varies based on experience, location, and work setting.
Entry-level MHTs may earn less than those with years of experience or advanced certifications.
Working in hospitals or specialized psychiatric facilities often offers higher compensation than community or residential programs.
Average Salary of Mental Health Technicians in Arkansas
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$28K | |
$33K | |
$42K |
Arkansas Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | 190 | $36,820 | $17.70 | $40,670 | $31,690 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 120 | $31,800 | $15.29 | $37,850 | $28,830 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 30 | $30,810 | $14.81 | $34,650 | $25,790 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 230 | $35,670 | $17.15 | $38,630 | $31,490 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 430 | $36,360 | $17.48 | $46,860 | $29,820 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need certification to be a Mental Health Technician in Arkansas?
Depends on the employer; certification is often preferred but not always required.
Certificate programs take about 6–12 months, associate degrees about 2 years, and on-the-job training can take 3–6 months.
What is so special about this role in Arkansas?
MHTs focus on mental health care, behavioral monitoring, and crisis intervention rather than general medical care.
This makes the role uniquely impactful in Arkansas communities.
Is this a good entry-level healthcare career?
Yes, it’s an excellent pathway into mental health and nursing careers.
Can you become a Mental Health Technician without a college degree?
Yes, many positions accept a high school diploma plus relevant training.
