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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.
Increasing need for mental health care
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.
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.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in
the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),
Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of
applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one
of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing
over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
