Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship
Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship (PRAP)
The Behavioral Health Pre-Apprenticeship supports high school students interested in pursuing a career in behavioral health. During their junior and senior years, students can gain a competitive edge when applying for entry-level positions in the industry after graduation. Pre-Apprenticeship participants earn nine behavioral health-specific college credits while still in high school and receive industry-specific hands-on training in a variety of career topics. Pre-Apprenticeship graduates are eligible to enter into either UWH’s QMHA or CADC Apprenticeship programs upon completion, gaining the opportunity to earn their QMHA-R or CADC-I just 12 months after finishing high school!
High School Course Credits
The classroom portion of the PRAP is taken as three elective courses during your junior or senior year of high school. These three courses can be taken at your resident high school through their AP or IB program, an articulated agreement between your school and a community college, or taken directly through your local community college, depending on the course offerings of your school. Courses are equal to a minimum of nine college credits upon graduation (some courses are up to four credits each). Receiving credit is dependent on successfully passing the class. Over the school year, pre-apprentices progress through a set of introductory behavioral health subject areas (with specific courses differing depending on the participating high school):
- Behavioral Health Psychology (3-4 credits)
- Human Studies in Behavioral Health I (3-4 credits)
- Human Studies in Behavioral Health II (3-4 credits)
Hands-On Training
PRAP participants also have access to industry-specific online training for the 36 weeks they are in the program. These trainings are self-paced, but we recommend completing 1 hour/week to stay on track. For the most part, apprentices complete the work on their own schedule (asynchronously) with a few training sessions being held synchronously. Topics covered include:
- Program Orientation & Workplace Responsibilities in Oregon (4 weeks)
- Exploring Behavioral Health Careers (8 weeks)
- Field-Based Investigation (8 weeks)
- Behavioral Health Career Readiness (8 weeks)
- Capstone Project (8 weeks)
Costs
Pre-Apprenticeship participants do not incur any costs! Through grant sources and other funding support, the education for the program is free to participants while still enrolled in high school. Additionally, pre-apprenticeship participants receive financial stipends and support throughout their time in the program.
Interested in a High School Partnership Opportunity?
If you are an Oregon-based High School, we would love to connect and explore the possibility of offering this opportunity at your school.
Hiring? Why You Should Hire a PRAP Graduate.
PRAP graduates have completed one year of behavioral health education, which includes three college-level courses and 36 weeks of career training. This program equips them with essential knowledge, experience, and industry-relevant skills, making them well-prepared for entry-level roles in the behavioral health field. They are eligible for employment in QMHA and CADC apprenticeable positions by bringing a competitive edge, a strong foundation, and readiness to contribute to the workforce.
If you would like to learn more or have questions, please email info@unitedwehealoregon.com.
Our Programs
Our programs emphasize hands-on training through paid employment while participants learn new skills, achieve industry-recognized certifications, and advance their careers, while minimizing student debt.
Our programs are strategically designed to pave a path for folks who previously didn’t have opportunities/access to step into the healthcare workforce. This ensures that individuals who would not otherwise have had opportunities to advance into higher paid and licensed occupations can do so, and that this will positively impact the ability to provide care that resonates with clients needs.
Qualified Mental Health Associate
The QMHA Apprenticeship supports individuals working in the industry through MHACBO’s non-degree pathway.
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor II
The CADC-II Apprenticeship helps individuals working in substance use counseling receive all of the experience necessary to receive their credential.
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
The CADC Apprenticeship helps individuals working in substance use counseling receive all of the experience necessary to receive their credential.
Qualified Mental Health Professional
The QMHP Apprenticeship helps individuals working in behavioral health obtain their Master’s in Counseling degree for free while gaining their credential through on-the-job training.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
The CCMA Apprenticeship provides all of the education and training required to test for the CCMA exam.
These programs are funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Labor. We are equal opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The sponsor will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. The sponsor will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.
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