Wichita State University’s School of Nursing has launched a new Licensed Mental Health Technician (LMHT) pathway. This pioneering program, the first of its kind in the state, will address the growing need for mental health care professions in Kansas.  

Key features of the LMHT pathway: 

• Coursework is completely online, making the curriculum accessible to individuals across the region. 
• All credit hours earned through the pathway can be applied toward a health care degree program for students pursuing further education.   
• The School of Nursing is establishing clinical partnerships in rural areas, with the goal of allowing rural students to complete their clinical requirements close to home.  

The need for patient mental health care has increased substantially, and there is a severe shortage of health care professionals trained in this area. Licensed Mental Health Technicians are trained to care for patients who are challenged with mental or behavioral health issues and will fill a vast health care need across Kansas. 

Debra Pile, chair and associate dean for nursing practice of the WSU College of Health Professions, said this pathway will be very impactful.  

“Mental health is becoming an increasingly vital part of the health care system, and our new program is focused on looking to the future of Kansas’ mental health care needs,” said Pile. “Importantly, the creation of the pathway curriculum and this training offers a foundation to LMHT students for the pursuit of future careers in health care.” 

Claudio Ferraro, president of Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital, said the development of this pathway will enable them to hire more trained mental health technicians, which will enhance patient care. 

"Ascension Via Christi is thrilled to be in partnership with Wichita State University; they have historically helped us meet the ever-changing needs of the community,” said Ferraro. “The new LMHT program will be a key component in helping us source and train talented individuals to serve the behavioral health needs of the thousands of patients we are privileged to serve annually." 

Classes begin in spring 2025, and enrollment is currently open.   

For more information or to enroll, visit wichita.edu/LMHT. 

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

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