Mental Health Care Fundamentals

This course will benefit anyone considering a career in allied health, as well as those already working the field. Allied Health Professionals must be committed to the key attributes of professionalism and strive to reflect this within the delivery of patient-centered, safe, and effective care. “Professionalism” is a broad term which reflects many different skills and abilities. For an individual to exhibit professionalism, they must be armed with specific skills and abilities that do not always show up within certification requirements, or even within career training curriculum. Soft skills are hard to measure and are typically less well-defined than hard skills. However, soft skills are what set many job candidates apart. Professionalism is not just what one knows. It is how one does their job, how one behaves, and how one comes across as they interact with others. The purpose of this course is to support students with soft skills training that will provide the tools needed to demonstrate a higher level of professionalism on the job. Key components of the course focus on patient interaction, proper office behavior, medical ethics, diversity and cultural bias, emotional strength, professional appearance, and communication. The course maintains a focus on the key attributes that are true markers of professionalism. This course was created with input from healthcare professionals working in the field, healthcare employers that hire our graduates, professional educators, and even former MedCerts students. The end-result is a collection of modules that touch on the soft skills that are truly important in the real world of allied healthcare. In this course, students are engaged through scenario-based learning that allows for real interaction with virtual coworkers and patients. Additionally, game-based activities keep students engaged and entertained throughout their learning journey.

The Mental Health Development, Difficulties, and Disorders course delves into the critical stages of human development and associated challenges across the lifespan through three lessons at a beginner level. In the Childhood Development, Difficulties, and Disorders lesson, students explore the foundational stages of childhood development, key milestones, and common developmental difficulties. This lesson covers a range of childhood disorders, offering insights into early identification and intervention strategies to support optimal growth and well-being. In the second lesson, Adolescent Development, Difficulties, and Disorders, students examine the complex transition from childhood to adulthood, focusing on the developmental, emotional, and psychological challenges unique to adolescence. The final lesson covers Adult Development, Challenges, Disorders, and Aging. This lesson guides students to investigate ongoing changes and challenges experienced throughout adulthood, including psychological and physical aspects of aging. In this course, students will gain a deep understanding of developmental stages, difficulties, and disorders to enhance their practice and support individuals across the lifespan.