What makes the University of Jamestown's behavioral health apprenticeship program unique?

"The University of Jamestown (UJ) has launched the nation’s first registered apprenticeship program for behavioral health technicians. At the end of this apprenticeship, students earn a Behavioral Health Technician Apprentice Certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor—a credential that sets them apart in the field."

How did the program get started and where is it offered? 

"The program began with a successful test run in Arizona, in partnership with Terros Health, before expanding to North Dakota. This collaboration was designed to address the urgent need for skilled behavioral health professionals, especially in areas like Phoenix, where job postings for Behavioral Health Technicians have soared."

What are the educational benefits for students? 

"Students in the program can convert their apprenticeship work into credits and apply those credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Health. Remarkably, this allows someone with zero college credits to achieve a bachelor’s degree in under three years. Afterward, they can pursue a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling in another two years, becoming a master’s-trained counselor in only four and a half years—much faster than the traditional six-year route."

"We also want people to know that the behavioral health online bachelor degree is available to participants and starts every eight weeks, even if they are not participating in the apprenticeship."

How does the apprenticeship model work? 

"UJ’s program uses an 'Earn and Learn' approach. Apprentices gain invaluable on-the-job experience with partner organizations while taking classes that directly relate to their career goals. Collaboration between work and study creates a profoundly well-rounded educational experience."

"The classes that they take as they work add context to their apprenticeship that provides depth and relatable experience."

Are there financial support options? 

"Yes! Eligible candidates can receive funding to help cover their educational costs."

Why is this programming important for the community? 

"North Dakota is experiencing a clear upward trend in the demand for behavioral health professionals. This mirrors national patterns, where the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for behavioral health roles such as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors over the next decade. In North Dakota specifically, state-level projections from 2022 to 2032 indicate an increase in job openings for behavioral health occupations, driven by both new job creation and the need to replace retiring workers."

"The growing demand for behavioral health professionals in North Dakota means more career opportunities for students and a stronger support system for communities facing mental health and substance use challenges. By training more qualified professionals, programs like UJ’s help close critical service gaps and improve the well-being of North Dakotans."

How can I learn more or apply? 

Interested students can reach out to Associate Vice President of Career Center and Employee Relations, Heidi Larson at 701-252-3467 ext. 5520 or hlarson@uj.edu. For more details, visit the University of Jamestown Behavioral Health Technician program page.