Mental Health Assistant

New in 2026–2027: Program-specific course content will be weighted as Honors-level coursework. See Program Coursework below for more details.

Prerequisites

• Must be a Junior
• Biology: Grade “C” or better
• Algebra I: Grade “C” or better

The Home Health Aide program prepares students for work and continued study in healthcare support roles through a structured combination of academic instruction and applied learning. Coursework emphasizes patient care principles, communication, safety, professionalism, and the responsibilities associated with providing care in long-term and community-based settings. Students should expect a focused course that requires consistency, attention to detail, and maturity.

This is a hands-on healthcare course. Instruction takes place in simulated and real clinical environments where students practice therapeutic techniques, patient intake, rehabilitation activities, and emergency care under professional supervision. Students must be comfortable providing direct support to patients, applying treatment plans, and working closely with healthcare teams. Reliability, adherence to procedures, and professionalism are essential for success.

Students gain real-world experience in mental health care settings, interacting with patients and staff while following established healthcare protocols. These clinical experiences require respectful communication, confidentiality, and an understanding of patient dignity. Students are expected to demonstrate teamwork, professionalism, and ethical behavior in all interactions, preparing them for the expectations of careers in mental health services.

Students are expected to participate in HOSA – Future Health Professionals, a national student organization focused on leadership development, teamwork, and healthcare career readiness.In addition to earning course credit, students are eligible to work toward industry-recognized credentials, including:

• Mental Health Technician Certification (Must be 17yrs at time of testing , typically May)
• Workplace Readiness Skills

These credentials allow students to graduate with documented skills, certifications, and career preparation—not just a grade.

This program operates with expectations aligned to professional healthcare environments. Students are expected to:

• Purchase specific work attire for daily wear when attending ACE classes and events
• Display a visible ID badge at all times
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical behavior at all times
• Demonstrate professional behavior, punctuality, accountability, and respectful communication

Home health and long-term care rely on trust, responsibility, and consistency. Students are expected to meet these standards daily, as their conduct directly impacts patient care and program success.

Work attire sample images appear in the image carousel below