How to Become a Mental Health Technician in North Dakota

North Dakota State College of Science, located in Wahpeton, is a public two-year college with a strong focus on career-ready programs.

The college serves more than 2,500 students and offers hands-on training designed to prepare graduates for direct entry into the workforce.

Class sizes are typically small, which allows for personalized instruction and closer interaction with faculty.

The campus environment is practical and career-focused, making it a good fit for students who want to move quickly into healthcare roles.

Courses Offered

Students interested in mental health work often enroll in the Human Services Technician Associate in Applied Science program.

This degree typically requires about 60 to 65 credit hours and can be completed in 4 semesters, or approximately 2 years.

Coursework includes Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Abnormal Psychology, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Interviewing Techniques, and Group Dynamics.

Many students complete a supervised practicum that ranges from 120 to 180 clinical hours in community agencies or healthcare facilities.

The program is designed to build practical skills in communication, documentation, and client support.

Program Cost

In-state tuition is approximately 180 to 200 dollars per credit hour.

For a 60-credit program, total tuition can range from 10,800 to 12,000 dollars.

Out-of-state tuition is higher and may range from 250 to 300 dollars per credit hour.

Books and supplies typically cost 1,000 to 1,500 dollars over the course of the program.

Additional expenses may include background checks, immunizations, and practicum-related costs.

Bismarck State College is a public community college located in North Dakota’s capital city.

It enrolls more than 3,500 students and offers a wide range of technical and transfer programs.

The college has strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, which benefits students seeking internships and job placement opportunities.

Its location in Bismarck gives students access to hospitals, behavioral health centers, and state facilities.

Courses Offered

Students can pursue an Associate in Applied Science in Human Services, which generally requires about 62 credit hours and takes 2 years to complete.

Courses often include General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Counseling Techniques, Ethics in Human Services, Multicultural Issues, and Substance Abuse Counseling.

A supervised field experience is typically required and may involve 150 to 200 hours in a clinical or community setting.

The program emphasizes practical skills in patient observation, documentation, and supportive counseling techniques that are directly applicable to Mental Health Technician roles.

Program Cost

In-state tuition averages about 190 dollars per credit hour.

For 62 credits, tuition costs are roughly 11,780 dollars.

Out-of-state tuition can range from 280 to 320 dollars per credit hour.

Students should budget an additional 1,200 to 1,800 dollars for textbooks and program materials.

Some students may also need to pay fees for liability insurance and clinical placement processing.

Minot State University is a public four-year university serving approximately 3,000 students.

It offers both associate and bachelor’s level programs in behavioral sciences.

The university environment is slightly larger than community colleges, but still provides relatively small class sizes compared to major state universities.

Students benefit from access to campus counseling labs and research opportunities.

Courses Offered

Students pursuing mental health support careers often choose the Associate of Science in Human Services or the Bachelor of Science in Social Work.

The associate pathway typically requires about 60 credit hours over 2 years.

Courses include Introduction to Sociology, General Psychology, Human Behavior, Social Welfare Policy, and Case Management.

Students usually complete a practicum of at least 120 hours.

The bachelor’s program requires about 120 credit hours over 4 years and includes more advanced coursework and extended field placements that can exceed 400 supervised hours.

Program Cost

Undergraduate tuition for North Dakota residents is approximately 230 to 250 dollars per credit hour.

For a 60-credit associate path, tuition totals about 13,800 to 15,000 dollars.

For a full 120-credit bachelor’s degree, tuition may range from 27,600 to 30,000 dollars.

Books and additional fees can add 1,500 to 2,500 dollars per year, depending on course load.

The University of North Dakota, located in Grand Forks, is the state’s flagship public university with enrollment of more than 13,000 students.

It offers comprehensive programs in psychology, social work, and behavioral sciences.

The university has extensive healthcare partnerships and access to major hospital systems, making it an attractive choice for students seeking broader career advancement opportunities.

Courses Offered

Students often pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology or Social Work.

These programs typically require 120 to 125 credit hours and take about 4 years to complete.

Core courses include Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Behavioral Statistics, and Clinical Social Work Practice.

Field education components may require 400 to 500 supervised hours in healthcare or community agencies.

While this path exceeds minimum MHT requirements, it opens doors to supervisory and graduate-level opportunities.

Program Cost

In-state tuition averages about 280 to 300 dollars per credit hour.

For 120 credits, tuition can range from 33,600 to 36,000 dollars.

Out-of-state tuition may exceed 400 dollars per credit hour.

Students should also consider housing, meal plans, and textbook expenses, which may total 10,000 to 15,000 dollars per academic year, depending on living arrangements.

Williston State College is a smaller public two-year college located in western North Dakota.

It serves roughly 1,000 students and offers a supportive environment with small class sizes.

The college is well-suited for students who prefer a close-knit academic setting and want affordable tuition.

Courses Offered

Students interested in mental health support careers may pursue an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science with coursework in psychology and human services.

These programs typically require 60 to 64 credit hours over 2 years.

Courses include Introduction to Psychology, Human Development, Sociology, Ethics, and Interpersonal Communication.

Some students complete internships in local community agencies, which may involve 100 to 150 supervised hours.

Program Cost

In-state tuition is approximately 180 to 200 dollars per credit hour.

For a 60-credit program, tuition totals around 10,800 to 12,000 dollars.

Books and academic fees may add another 1,000 to 1,500 dollars over two years.

The overall cost remains among the most affordable options in the state, making it attractive for students seeking entry into the workforce without significant debt.