Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Training

Classes

There are seven (7) noncredit classes required to complete this program and you can view them below under “Curriculum Information”. Students may have already completed an equivalent course during their previous college studies, and are encouraged to reach out to us with the syllabus of the course(s) so that we can determine if it can be counted toward program completion.

Format

The classes are designed for working professionals and are available to students in an online format, allowing students to study when and where they want.

Program Start Options

Classes are offered every semester—fall, spring and summer, with limited options during summer semesters. Classes are offered with fixed start and end dates across a traditional semester schedule. You can find these dates on the Academic Calendar.

Class Schedule

The classes are available to students in an online format, so the class schedule is conveniently available to students at any time.

Average Time to Complete

The program can be completed in as little as 2 semesters, though the program is designed to be 1 year long

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to begin the classes.

Information for BHT Licensing

Candidates must meet the State of Utah licensing requirements, and they should contact the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) for more information.

The Behavioral Health Technician Training program requires seven noncredit courses. Courses are offered online during a traditional 16-week semester and meet with for-credit sections.

Required Courses

SWC 210 Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE)

This course employs theory and research findings to understand and assess functioning of individuals and families in their social environment. It emphasizes a biopsychosocial approach for analyzing the impact of various social forces on individual and family dynamics.

SWC 305 Crisis Intervention & Certification

This course will assist students to gain a foundational understanding of common crisis issues and learn how to assist individuals experiencing crisis or distress related to suicidal thoughts or behavior, mental illness, substance use, and other scenarios exceeding and overwhelming a person’s coping abilities. It will allow students to learn and practice the latest skills and techniques for handling crisis situations. Core components include considerations for an equitable and culturally responsive approach to crisis intervention, a trauma-informed approach to crisis, and evidence-based approaches to working with individuals, families, and communities in crisis. Successful completion of this course allows individuals to obtain the state of Utah’s Crisis Worker Certification. The Crisis Worker Certification is required of all individuals to work in Utah’s state crisis continuum.

SWC 310 Social Work Practice I: Individuals and Families

This course provides the foundation for social work with individuals and families. Students learn basic concepts and methods for engagement, assessment, intervention, and utilizing theoretical frameworks. Students also learn basic skills for evaluating interventions and reflecting on the social worker’s professional role and use of self in relationships with individuals and families.

SWC 321 Essential Skills in Behavioral Health

This course for Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) covers a comprehensive range of essential topics. Students will learn about the BHT scope of practice, including roles and responsibilities, while also gaining insight into traumainformed care and addressing unconscious bias to ensure culturally sensitive interactions. The curriculum includes modules on substance use disorders, motivational interviewing, and client engagement skills, equipping students with effective assessment and intervention techniques. Professionalism, ethical standards, and job-seeking skills are emphasized to prepare students for career advancement. Additionally, the course addresses critical areas such as understanding and managing paperwork, suicide prevention, and conflict resolution strategies.

SWC 340 Developmental Impact of Child Abuse and Neglect

This course involves an intensive study of child abuse and the developmental aspects included in evaluating abused children and their families. An overview of the brief history of child abuse in the United States is examined as well as the implications of major policy in the relation to child welfare. The course will also examine the causation, typologies of abusers, characteristics of abused children and adults, assessment and diagnostic skills, crisis intervention and effective treatment approaches. This course is taught through the use of lectures, class discussions, visual media and student presentations in an interactive environment.

SWC 371 Case Management for Social Workers

This course introduces students to the concept of case management and how it is used to provide human services. Students will explore the many factors affecting case management today including federal legislation, emerging client groups, technology, shifting demographics, paperwork, evidence-based service delivery models, and the resulting ethical and legal dilemmas. Case managers provide services in micro, mezzo, and macro systems. There will be an emphasis on the role of professional values and ethics and the impact of diversity, oppression, and discrimination on case management.

SWC 732 Counseling Practice II

Students investigate ongoing assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and client education with an in-depth review of counseling skills, focusing on group work. Different group models, group dynamics, establishing group norms, and group approaches (such as experiential, didactic, specific topic groups, gender specific and other special population groups) will be examined. Emphasis will be on understanding and conducting didactic psychoeducation groups and cofacilitation of psychotherapy groups. Students will be exposed to 1) Motivational Interviewing and motivational enhancement skills, 2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), 3) Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and 4) other specific practices that are usually provided in group settings, such as Seeking Safety, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), and 12 Step Facilitation.

Noncredit tuition for each course is $300. Textbooks are an additional cost (see below for more information). The cost of the full certificate is $2,100, not including textbooks or other course materials, if all seven courses are needed. Some students may not need to take all 7 courses if they already completed any of them during previous college studies (see FAQ section below).

Textbooks are not included in the cost of enrollment and must be acquired by students individually. The Campus Bookstore has all required course materials, but you may find a better price shopping for used texts online (Amazon, Ebay, Abebooks, etc.). Be sure to search for what texts/materials are required for your courses. If no results show up for the class you search, this either means there are no required texts or the instructor has not indicated that there is required texts. Please make sure you register for your course(s) early so that you have time to get any required materials before classes start.

• Financial aid is not available for non-credit classes. Students are encouraged to inquire with their employers to determine if tuition assistance is available.
• Payment plans may be available through the University of Utah Financial Services.
• This course is eligible for faculty/staff tuition reduction or emeritus benefits.
• Students may drop and receive a refund for these classes up until the semester “Last Day to Drop”, which can be found on the Academic Calendar.

Why choose the University of Utah?

We understand that you have a choice when it comes to taking professional development courses and we work hard to earn your trust with each and every class!

By selecting the University of Utah, you’ll enjoy the following benefits whether you’re coming to us as someone new to the job market, a career changer, a seasoned professional or a lifelong learner.

Resume Power - benefit from the University of Utah reputation for credibility and quality. Choosing the University of Utah for your certificate program makes a clear statement about your commitment to excellence.

Instructor Excellence - learn from the same high-quality faculty that teach in our degree programs.

The Power of the U Network – students have access to a valuable University of Utah peer and faculty network.

Programs that Fit Your Schedule – most of our certificates offer convenient online or evening classes that offer a schedule that works around you. Go to class whenever and wherever you want.

Certificate Completion Requirements

• Students will be required to fulfill the same expectations and requirements as matriculated students including exams, projects and participation.
• Certificate students will receive an “S-Satisfactory” or “U-Unsatisfactory” assessment for each class. “S-Satisfactory” will indicate that the student has met the standards for at least a C-.
• Students must receive an “S-Satisfactory" grade in all classes for successful completion.
• Noncredit courses appear on your student transcript as "Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory" and can be used as proof of completion.

We do not provide paper or digital certificates for this program. In order to prove you completed the educational requirements to DOPL, you will need to provide them with your university transcript. You can order an official transcript or view/print your unofficial transcript online.

Do I need to take all 7 courses within 1 year for it to meet the licensing requirements?

No. As of March 2026, the requirement from DOPL is that students must complete a 1-year academic certificate. Our program meets that requirement, but you may complete it at your own pace. Students only need to show that each of the courses in the program was completed successfully. There is no maximum timeframe the program must be completed in.

What if I’ve already taken some of these classes elsewhere? Do I have to take them again?

If you have taken an equivalent course at another institution or at the University of Utah for credit, we may be able to count that course toward completion of this program. Please send us the syllabus of the course(s) you completed as well as the grade earned. We will review the curriculum and determine if it can be counted. Please note, if it is counted, you will still need to provide the transcript showing that class to DOPL (if it was taken outside the University of Utah) to prove you completed our program using that course as a substitute.

What other requirements are there to obtain a license to be a Behavioral Health Technician?

Please visit the Division of Professional Licensing’s website for the most current information regarding these requirements.

Does completing these classes mean I am a licensed BHT?

No. There are several requirements to become a licensed BHT, and the license is awarded by the State of Utah after all requirements are met. Completing these classes meets certain educational requirements to become a licensed BHT, but students will need to verify what is needed depending on their level of education. You can view all requirements to become a licensed BHT on the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)’s website.

How do I apply for BHT licensure?

Individuals who complete all the requirements for the license can apply through the state’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) website.

Am I graded in the classes?

Yes, instructors do grade students on assignments—quizzes, examinations, written papers, however classes are graded with a "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory" option. For successful certificate completion, students must achieve a "Satisfactory" grade in all classes

Can I apply these classes to a degree at the University of Utah?

No. These are non-credit classes and cannot be applied to any for-credit degree.