Behavioral Health Paraprofessionals Training Program

• Fieldwork: Minimum of 360 supervised hours
• Supervision: Minimum of 1 hour of direct supervision per week (site-based)
• Seminars: Biweekly reflective seminars (hybrid)
• Reflection Journals: Four journals submitted across the semester
• Performance: Competency ratings of “Meets Expectations” or higher across clinical site and supervisor evaluations
• Capstone: Artifact and presentation

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Apply ethical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices within behavioral health settings.
• Collaborate effectively with interprofessional care teams to support individualized plans of care.
• Demonstrate professional behavior, accountability, and reflective self-regulation in daily practice.
• Implement recovery-oriented approaches that empower clients and reinforce hope.
• Synthesize field experience through completion and presentation of a capstone project.

• High school diploma or GED. (or equivalent)
• English language proficiency.
• Interest in behavioral health careers.
• Commitment to serving underserved or high-need communities.

HRSA Eligibility Requirements

This program is supported by funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Participation in HRSA-funded components of the program, including tuition coverage and stipends, is contingent upon meeting federal eligibility requirements and program standards.

To be eligible for HRSA-supported funding, students must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of program entry
• Have completed a high school diploma or GED prior to enrollment
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident in accordance with federal requirements
• Meet the program’s essential functions and technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations
• Remain in good academic and professional standing throughout the program

Eligibility for HRSA support is verified in accordance with federal guidelines and Institute procedures. Failure to maintain eligibility may result in loss of HRSA-funded benefits.

Prior success with college-level coursework

High school seniors may be admitted provisionally with documentation verifying expected graduation.

• A letter from the high school confirming anticipated graduation is required at the time of application.
• An official high school diploma or state-approved equivalent must be submitted by August 1 to remain enrolled beyond the summer term.

Acceptable Temporary Documentation May Include:

• Official letter from a high school registrar confirming expected graduation
• High school transcript showing completed coursework and anticipated graduation date

Career Motivation Essay

Describe your motivation for applying to this program and how it connects to your future goals in behavioral health or community service (250–500 words)

Personal Perspective Essay

What unique experiences, skills, or perspectives will you bring to working with individuals and communities affected by behavioral health challenges? (250–500 words)

Recommendation Letters

Applicants are required to provide one recommendation letter. All recommendations are processed through our online application. Please identify an individual that has agreed to complete a recommendation for you, who knows you but is not a relative (e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor, coach, healthcare provider, etc.)

Resume or CV

Applicants are required to submit a current resume or CV.

Applicants are required to submit a transcript from each college and/or university attended, even if a degree was not received from that institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted throughout the application process, and official transcripts will be required of all accepted and enrolled students, prior to matriculation. For transcripts to be considered official they must be in their original signed and sealed envelopes when received.

Unofficial transcripts uploaded after application submission must include, 1) The name of the institution and 2) list the student’s name, and 3) contain a transcript legend. If an unofficial transcript is received without this information, it will not be accepted. Grade reports and copies of diplomas, or screenshots of a document will not be accepted.  

For official transcripts, the Office of Admissions strongly encourages the use of online electronic transcript ordering which can be sent admissions [at] mghihp.edu (directly via email) to admissions. If this is not an option and your institution does not participate in electronic transcript delivery, please request official transcripts to be sent to the mailing address listed below:

Admission Office
MGH Institute of Health Professions
36 First Avenue
Boston, MA 02129

Foreign Transcripts: Applicants that have earned a degree from a non-US institution are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from one of the following NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) members: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, World Education Services (WES), or the Center for Educational Documentation. If you earned your bachelor's degree outside of the U.S. this credential evaluation must document minimum equivalency of a US baccalaureate degree or higher.