Mesa (Ariz.) Community College has launched a behavioral health certificate program and opened a simulation lab to address Arizona’s shortage of mental health workers.
Students will train in the new Behavioral Health Simulation Lab, where they will practice realistic patient care scenarios in rooms designed to resemble inpatient behavioral health settings, according to a Dec. 4 news release. The lab includes group therapy rooms, child-friendly areas, secluded observation zones, anti-ligature furnishings and magnet release doors. Clinical rooms also include blood pressure monitors, beds and lifelike manikins to teach students how to identify and treat physical and mental health conditions.
The lab opening coincides with the rollout of the college’s Certification of Completion in Applied Behavioral Health, which the college said is the first of its kind in the state.
“We are very excited to offer this invaluable hands-on training to students,” Carol Achs, MCC Dean of Instruction, Mathematics/Computer Science, Sciences and Exercise Science said. “Often they don’t get the opportunity to participate in critical situations until they are in the field. The teaching methods and the way we construct our programs have evolved over the decades to align with industry needs and expectations.”
