Wichita State University’s School of Nursing has announced the introduction of a new Licensed Mental Health Technician (LMHT) pathway, marking a significant development in Kansas’s mental health care education. This initiative responds to the increasing demand for trained professionals in the mental health sector across the state.
Key Features of the LMHT Pathway
The LMHT pathway offers a fully online curriculum, making it accessible to students throughout the region. Participants can also apply all earned credit hours towards further healthcare degree programs, facilitating continued education. Additionally, the School of Nursing is forging clinical partnerships in rural areas, ensuring that local students can fulfill their clinical requirements close to home.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Mental Health Care
As the demand for mental health services escalates, Kansas faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals equipped to address these needs. Licensed Mental Health Technicians are specifically trained to assist patients grappling with mental and behavioral health challenges, thus filling a crucial gap in the state’s healthcare landscape.
Debra Pile, chair and associate dean for nursing practice at the WSU College of Health Professions, highlighted the significance of this pathway. “Mental health is becoming an increasingly vital part of the healthcare system, and our new program is focused on the future of Kansas’s mental health care needs,” she stated. “Importantly, the creation of this pathway curriculum provides a foundation for LMHT students as they pursue future careers in healthcare.”
Claudio Ferraro, president of Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital, expressed enthusiasm for the new program, noting its potential to bolster their workforce of trained mental health technicians. “Ascension Via Christi is thrilled to partner with Wichita State University; they have historically assisted us in meeting the ever-changing needs of the community,” Ferraro said. “The new LMHT program will be essential in helping us source and train talented individuals to serve the behavioral health needs of the thousands of patients we serve annually.”
Classes for the LMHT pathway are set to commence in spring 2025, with enrollment currently open.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas’s only urban public research institution, serving over 23,000 students from across the United States and more than 100 countries. Recognized for its student-centered and innovation-driven approach, the university offers distinctive pathways in applied learning, research, and career opportunities.
Situated in the state’s largest city, which boasts a high concentration of jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), Wichita State provides a unique environment for students to thrive. The Innovation Campus, a significant extension of the main campus, encompasses over 120 acres and ranks among the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research and innovation parks, housing numerous global companies and organizations.
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