Southeast Tech, Avera Partner on Behavioral and Mental Health Associate Degree Program

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Southeast Technical College is launching a new Behavioral and Mental Health Technician associate degree program this spring. The program was developed in partnership with Avera Behavioral Health, and several scholarship opportunities are available. Classes begin Jan. 8, 2024.

“In a world where mental health is of growing importance, this program is more than an academic endeavor,” said STC president Robert Griggs. “It is a demonstration of our commitment to producing resilient, empathetic and skilled technicians who will serve as part of a supportive care network.”

Technicians in the mental health field are in high demand.

“Behavioral Health needs are growing for all ages-adults, adolescents and children. Avera has over 60 years of experience in this field, so we are excited to partner with Southeast Tech on this new career path,” said Thomas Otten, Vice President of Behavioral Health for Avera. “Behavioral Health Technicians are crucial staff on our care team. They spend a significant amount of their day directly working with patients and have the opportunity every day to speak life to those in need.”

Tracy Bird, the STC Program Director and Instructor for the Behavioral and Mental Health Technician program says, “Careers in behavioral and mental health require a compassionate, trauma-informed approach. This program will instill empathy, foster resilience and empower students to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those they serve.”

The program is made possible by grants and gifts from The Seed for Success Foundation, First PREMIER Bank and the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, facilitated through the STC Foundation.

Seed for Success is also funding a $5,000/semester ($10,000 each year) scholarship for students entering the Behavioral and Mental Health Technician Program at Southeast Technical College. Preference given to those with a GPA of 3.0 or better and some demonstrated work experience in or outside the field of mental health.

"We are so thankful for the donors and agencies who recognize the need for this program at STC and in our community," said Stephen Williamson, director, STC Foundation.

Earlier this fall, STC announced two other new AAS programs launching in Jan. 2024 – Respiratory Therapist and Medical Lab Technician. 

Behavioral and Mental Health Technician Program Information   All STC Academic Programs

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ABOUT SOUTHEAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Southeast Tech is a career-focused learning environment for determined students who expect a life-changing education that gets results. Our faculty and staff are passionate about student success, and more than 65 associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and stand-alone courses provide pathways to professional accomplishment utilizing skills-relevant facilities and Sioux Falls as an extended classroom. Southeast Tech is a smart investment for students to launch their in-demand, technical careers in two years or less. 

ABOUT AVERA HEALTH: The Avera Health system has over 20,000 employees and physicians, serving more than 300 locations and 100 communities in a five-state region. Our ministry, our people and our superior value distinguish Avera. We carry on the health care legacy of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, delivering care in an environment guided by our values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship. For more information about Avera, visit Avera.org.

Media Coverage

• Keloland.com - Your Money Matters: Southeast Tech offers new Behavioral Health Technician 2-year-degree
• Dakota News Now: Southeast Tech partners with Avera for a new associate degree program