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4C091 Career Guide

Air Force

4C091: Mental Health Service Apprentice

Career transition guide for Air Force Mental Health Service Apprentice (4C091)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 4C091 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or PsychologyState licensure as an LMHC, LCSW, or similar

Substance Abuse Counselor

$55K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) or similar certificationKnowledge of specific therapeutic models (e.g., CBT, DBT)

Social and Human Service Assistant

$40K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Stronger understanding of community resourcesProficiency in case management software

Human Resources Specialist

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certificationKnowledge of HR laws and regulationsRecruiting and employee relations skills

Healthcare Administrator

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Healthcare AdministrationKnowledge of healthcare regulations (HIPAA, etc.)Experience with budgeting and financial management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 4C091 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

In crisis situations involving patients with mental health issues, you quickly assess the urgency and severity of their needs to determine who requires immediate attention and what interventions are necessary.

You can swiftly evaluate competing demands and allocate resources effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Procedural Compliance

You meticulously adhere to established protocols and regulations when administering psychological tests, documenting patient information, and implementing treatment plans to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and legal compliance.

You demonstrate a strong commitment to following guidelines and maintaining standards of practice, which is crucial for regulated industries and quality control processes.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitor patient behavior and environmental cues to anticipate potential risks, such as self-harm or aggression, and take proactive measures to ensure patient safety and maintain a therapeutic environment.

You possess a heightened ability to perceive and interpret complex situations, allowing you to identify potential problems and implement preventative strategies.

Team Synchronization

Working closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, you seamlessly coordinate your actions and communicate effectively to provide holistic patient care and achieve shared treatment goals.

You excel at collaborating with diverse teams, sharing information, and adapting your approach to support collective objectives.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been trained to meticulously adhere to regulations and protocols in high-stakes environments. As a Compliance Officer, you'll leverage this expertise to ensure that organizations operate ethically and legally, identifying potential risks and implementing preventative measures.

Victim Advocate

SOC 21-1099.01

You've developed keen interviewing and assessment skills through taking patient history and conducting initial mental health assessments. You can use these abilities to offer vital support and resources to individuals navigating challenging personal circumstances as a victim advocate.

Corporate Trainer

SOC 13-1151.00

You've experience in developing and conducting mental health training programs. You can apply these skills as a Corporate Trainer, designing and delivering engaging training programs to enhance employee skills, knowledge, and performance.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Mental Health Service Apprentice Course, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

576 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in psychology, counseling, or social work

Topics Covered

  • Basic Psychology Principles
  • Mental Health Assessment Techniques
  • Psychiatric Disorders and Treatment
  • Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
  • Patient Documentation and Record Keeping
  • Aeromedical Evacuation Procedures
  • HIPAA and Patient Confidentiality

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)60% covered

While experience includes substance abuse evaluations and counseling, additional study on specific state requirements for CADC certification, including supervised clinical hours and specific coursework, may be needed.

Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT)70% covered

This role provides a broad scope of mental health support. Focus on refreshing knowledge of specific therapeutic techniques and documentation standards required for civilian mental health settings.

Recommended Next Certifications

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN)Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related fieldCertified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Composite Health Care System (CHCS)Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems like Epic or Cerner
Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA)Comprehensive patient management software
Mental Health Assessment Tools (e.g., PCL-5, GAD-7, PHQ-9)Standardized psychological testing platforms
Air Force Drug Testing Program Information Management SystemDrug screening and reporting software platforms
Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) patient handling equipment and protocolsEmergency medical transport equipment and protocols
Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Reporting SystemCase management systems for social services and family support
Traumatic Event Management System (TEAMS)Crisis management and intervention software

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