Credit for Prior Learning Pathway
Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree - Credit for Prior Learning Pathway (CPL)
This is a great opportunity for community mental health workers to further their education and advance their careers without going into debt!
Related Training Instruction
The coursework is entirely online, with classes having synchronous and asynchronous meetings. Students are expected to take 12 credits per term following the suggested course sequence by SUNY Empire.
All participants must hold a QMHA-I or CADC I credential upon enrollment. This is to ensure they can receive enough credits for their prior education, non-credit training, and work experience. Each CPL approval will vary per student, as everyone is coming in with a different background. However, each student is expected to enroll at SUNY Empire with advanced standing to accelerate the amount of time it takes for them to complete the program.
No Work Requirement
There is no required on-the-job training component while participating in the Accelerated Bachelor’s program; however, participants need to maintain employment and be in good standing with one of our employer partners through the duration of their program. Unlike our registered apprenticeship programs, participants will not need to gain specific supervised hours or competencies. Students will work their normal schedule without interruption.
Costs
Participants do not incur any costs! Through grant sources and other funding support, the education for the program is free to participants. Additionally, students receive financial stipends and support throughout their time in the program.
Get Started
Applications are now closed. Please check back later for future application and cohort start dates.
To be eligible you must be:
18 years or older
A graduate of a high school, GED, or equivalent program
An active employee, in good standing, with one of our training partners
- In a position considered an apprenticeable role: you work in a mental health program doing
individual, group, and family therapy, completing mental health assessments, treatment plans,
and crisis interventions In addition, this program is highly competitive and we utilize a scoring rubric set by our
Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) to prioritize applications with certain sets
of experiences and backgrounds, based on a point-based selection criteria
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.
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.
Contact Us
