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91470 Career Guide

Air Force

91470: Mental Health Service Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Mental Health Service Technician (91470)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 91470 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

$65K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Master's Degree in Counseling or related fieldState licensure as an LMHC

Social Worker

$60K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)State licensure (LCSW, LICSW, etc.)

Substance Abuse Counselor

$55K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor (e.g., CADC)Knowledge of addiction treatment modalities

Human Resources Specialist

$62K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certificationHR-related experience in a civilian settingKnowledge of employment law

Healthcare Administrator

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Healthcare AdministrationKnowledge of healthcare regulations and complianceProject management skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 91470 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Constantly monitoring patient behavior, environmental cues, and interactions to anticipate potential crises or escalating situations within the mental health setting.

Quickly perceive and understand complex environments, including subtle changes and potential risks, to proactively address challenges.

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing and prioritizing patient needs and requests in a fast-paced mental health environment, particularly in crisis situations where immediate action is required.

Efficiently identify the most critical tasks and allocate resources effectively, especially under pressure and in rapidly changing circumstances.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict protocols and regulations related to patient confidentiality, treatment plans, and documentation to ensure quality care and legal compliance.

Meticulously follow established procedures, guidelines, and legal requirements to maintain accuracy, consistency, and accountability.

Resource Optimization

Managing mental health service resources, including supplies, equipment, and personnel, to maximize efficiency and ensure optimal patient care.

Effectively allocate and manage resources to achieve the best possible outcomes while minimizing waste and maximizing productivity.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Victim Advocate

SOC 21-1099.00

You've been trained to assess individuals experiencing crisis. You've already been performing needs assessments and helping people develop/execute care plans. You can use those same skills to help survivors of abuse as a Victim Advocate.

Human Resources Specialist

SOC 13-1071.00

You've got experience managing patient records, coordinating with military and community agencies, and explaining complex information in an accessible way. You can use these skills to manage employee relations, resolve conflicts, and ensure compliance with HR policies.

Mediation Specialist

SOC 29-9099.00

You've honed your skills in active listening, conflict resolution, and facilitating constructive dialogue in a mental health context. As a Mediation Specialist, you can leverage these skills to help parties find common ground and resolve disputes effectively.

Training & Education Equivalencies

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

720 training hours18 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Behavioral Sciences

Topics Covered

  • Mental Health Principles and Practices
  • Psychological Testing Administration and Scoring
  • Clinical Interviewing Techniques
  • Substance Abuse Counseling and Prevention
  • Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
  • Patient Documentation and Record Keeping
  • Group Therapy Facilitation
  • Mental Health Program Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)60% covered

Specific state regulations regarding substance abuse counseling, advanced counseling techniques, and supervised clinical experience hours.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)40% covered

Formal medical assisting education covering phlebotomy, injections, and specific clinical procedures not fully covered in the military role.

Recommended Next Certifications

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)Certified Mental Health Executive (CMHE)Master of Public Health (MPH)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA)Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems like Epic or Cerner
Composite Health Care System (CHCS)Hospital information systems for appointment scheduling and patient administration
Behavioral Health Data Portal (BHDP)Mental health data analytics platforms
Air Force Drug Testing ProgramWorkplace drug screening programs
Traumatic Event Management System (TEMS)Crisis management and incident reporting software
Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) procedures and equipmentEmergency medical transport protocols and equipment

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