Transform Your Job Into a Degree in Behavioral Health
If you are already doing the work of care, you should not have to pause your life, take on debt, or start from scratch to move forward. The Apprenticeship College of Health (ACH) is launching a new, job-embedded pathway in behavioral health that helps working adults earn a college degree while building real, job-ready skills in the SUDP field.
At a Glance
- Who it is for: Working adults pursuing roles connected to substance use disorder and behavioral health care.
- What you earn: A college degree pathway connected to real work experience.
- What it costs you: No out-of-pocket tuition and no student loan debt, for eligible candidates (program design goal).
- Where it starts: Washington State.
Why This Matters Right Now
Behavioral health needs more trained professionals, and many communities cannot access care at the level they need.
- In the U.S., 22.8% of adults experienced mental illness in the past year (about 1 in 5).
- At the same time, drug overdose is the leading cause of death for adults ages 18–44.
- Over 127 million people lived in areas designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas as of September 30, 2025.
ACH is designed around a simple idea: learning is stronger when it is connected to real practice, not separated from it.
What You Can Expect
ACH combines workplace learning with college coursework so that your job becomes part of how you learn, progress, and earn credit.
- Job-embedded learning: Your day-to-day work is not separate from your education. It is part of it.
- Mentorship: Candidates are supported by workplace mentors who help translate learning into practice.
- Wraparound support: Support services are built to reduce barriers to persistence and completion.
- Clear steps: A transparent admissions and onboarding path, with next steps explained at each stage.
Your Journey
- Learn about the pathway.
- Confirm eligibility and readiness with your Employer
- Apply and complete required steps.
- Begin structured learning with employer support.
- Progress through coursework and on-the-job skill development.
FAQ
Do I need to stop working to participate?
No. This model is designed for working adults and connects learning to your role.
Is this only in Washington?
Yes, at launch. ACH will share expansion updates as the program grows.
Is this “real college”?
Yes. ACH is built with Reach University, a WSCUC-accredited institution.
