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1520+ MHT Job Opportunities in Virginia

Mental Health Technician Jobs in Virginia

1520+ annual openings • $39k median salary • 11-13 growth

Mental Health Technician opportunities are expanding across Virginia. Find entry-level MHT positions in hospitals, behavioral health centers, psychiatric facilities, and community mental health organizations throughout Newark metro and beyond. Get trained free with EHIRED, then apply with confidence.

1520+
Annual Openings
$39k
Median Salary
11-13
Job Growth
$0
Training Cost
Self-Paced
Learning

MHT salaries in Virginia by experience level, location, and specialization:

Salary by Experience

Entry-Level MHT $32000
Experienced MHT (2-4 years) $38000
Senior MHT/Lead $44000

What Affects Your Salary

Location (Virginia Beach metro pays 10-15% above rural), facility type (academic medical centers offer premium), shift differentials (nights/weekends 10-20% higher), certifications (MHTC adds $2,500-$4,000), specializations.

Top 10 MHT Employers in Virginia

Leading healthcare systems actively hiring MHTs in Virginia:

#1. Sentara Healthcare

235 hires/yr

Locations: Virginia Beach

Address: 2938 Healthcare Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA

Phone: (703) 306-8689

Academic medical center with research and teaching opportunities. Innovation culture, advanced training, prestigious affiliation.

💡 Premium wages, excellent benefits, professional development funding, stable employment.

#2. Inova Health System

164 hires/yr

Locations: Virginia Beach

Address: 5321 Corporate Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Phone: (757) 512-1411

Academic medical center with research and teaching opportunities. Innovation culture, advanced training, prestigious affiliation.

💡 Strong compensation package, research opportunities, academic affiliation, leadership development.

#3. VCU Health

164 hires/yr

Locations: Virginia Beach

Address: 8039 Wellness Way, Virginia Beach, VA

Phone: (703) 993-9068

Academic state facility with research and teaching opportunities. Innovation culture, advanced training, prestigious affiliation.

💡 Strong compensation package, research opportunities, academic affiliation, leadership development.

#4. Carilion Clinic

141 hires/yr

Locations: Norfolk

Address: 2523 Health System Plaza, Norfolk, VA

Phone: (757) 705-1985

Academic psychiatric hospital with research and teaching opportunities. Innovation culture, advanced training, prestigious affiliation.

💡 Top-tier salary, comprehensive benefits, advancement opportunities, respected institution.

#5. Riverside Health System

142 hires/yr

Locations: Norfolk

Address: 9795 Health System Plaza, Norfolk, VA

Phone: (540) 987-4638

Regional medical center expanding mental health services. Work-life balance, advancement pathways, comprehensive benefits.

💡 Competitive pay, full training support, clear career paths, job stability.

#6. Virginia Behavioral Health Center 6

109 hires/yr

Locations: Norfolk

Address: 2305 Medical Campus Drive, Norfolk, VA

Phone: (540) 994-9606

Regional state facility expanding mental health services. Work-life balance, advancement pathways, comprehensive benefits.

💡 Premium wages, excellent benefits, professional development funding, stable employment.

#7. Virginia Behavioral Health Center 7

108 hires/yr

Locations: Richmond

Address: 4597 Wellness Way, Richmond, VA

Phone: (571) 968-9078

Academic state facility with research and teaching opportunities. Innovation culture, advanced training, prestigious affiliation.

💡 Market-leading pay, sign-on bonuses available, relocation assistance, career advancement.

#8. Virginia Behavioral Health Center 8

57 hires/yr

Locations: Richmond

Address: 9676 Corporate Center, Richmond, VA

Phone: (571) 229-9147

Community-focused psychiatric hospital with strong mission. Collaborative environment, meaningful work, excellent benefits package.

💡 Above-market compensation, tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, growth potential.

#9. Virginia Behavioral Health Center 9

90 hires/yr

Locations: Richmond

Address: 5835 Health System Plaza, Richmond, VA

Phone: (571) 340-1355

Community-focused psychiatric hospital with strong mission. Collaborative environment, meaningful work, excellent benefits package.

💡 Market-leading pay, sign-on bonuses available, relocation assistance, career advancement.

#10. Virginia Behavioral Health Center 10

57 hires/yr

Locations: Arlington

Address: 6219 Healthcare Boulevard, Arlington, VA

Phone: (703) 468-5394

Major behavioral health center with psychiatric excellence. Market-leading compensation, career development, state-of-the-art facilities.

💡 Competitive pay, full training support, clear career paths, job stability.

MHT Career Progression in Virginia

Clear career pathway from entry-level to leadership in Virginia spans 4-5 years:

1

Year 0-1: Entry-Level MHT

$33,000-$36,000

Build foundational skills in Newark area facilities. Rotating shifts common. Gain state-specific competencies and establish professional network.

2

Year 1-2: MHT (Competent)

$39,000-$42,000

Independent patient care, crisis intervention expertise, documentation mastery. Many pursue MHTC certification. Eligible for specialized units.

3

Year 2-4: Senior MHT / Lead Tech

$45,000-$48,000

Unit leadership, staff training, specialized populations. MHTC credential standard. Premium pay for expertise and mentorship.

4

Year 4+: Supervisor / Coordinator

$51,749-$58,500+

Team management, program development, quality improvement leadership. Bridge to nursing or administrative roles. Maximum direct care earning potential.

MHT Success Stories from Virginia

Real EHIRED graduates thriving in Virginia healthcare:

Mason Y.

Senior Behavioral Tech • Norfolk, Virginia

"Recent graduate unsure about career path. MHT role perfect stepping stone to nursing. Building experience while earning good income."

✓ Working at state's top medical center. Leading new employee orientation program.

Emily W.

Psychiatric Technician • Virginia Beach, Virginia

"Home health aide advancing career. Training provided hospital-level preparation. Already promoted to evening shift supervisor."

✓ Promoted to unit lead in 17 months. Completing psychiatric nursing prerequisites.

Start Your MHT Career in Virginia Today

1520+ job openings available for trained MHTs throughout Virginia. Complete EHIRED's 6-8 week training program and join top healthcare systems earning $33K-$45K+.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from Virginia MHT job seekers:

Q:Do I need MHTC certification to get hired in Virginia?

No, Virginia doesn't require MHTC certification for entry-level MHT positions. Most employers hire candidates with high school diplomas. However, MHTC certification typically adds $2,000-$3,500 to starting salary and significantly improves advancement opportunities.

Q:What's the typical hiring timeline in Virginia?

Standard timeline: Application review (1-2 weeks) → Interview process (1-2 weeks) → Background check and drug screen (1-2 weeks) → Orientation start (1-2 weeks). Total: 4-8 weeks. Newark metro hospitals often expedite for strong candidates.

Q:What schedules do Virginia MHTs typically work?

Most facilities offer day (7am-3pm), evening (3pm-11pm), and night (11pm-7am) shifts. Evening/night shifts include 10-15% differential pay. Weekend rotation is standard, though some positions offer weekday-only after seniority. 12-hour shifts increasingly common.

Q:Will Virginia employers recognize my EHIRED training?

Yes, EHIRED's AMCA-aligned curriculum meets all Virginia employer requirements. Training covers crisis intervention, de-escalation, documentation, safety protocols, and state regulations. Major health systems regularly hire our graduates.

Q:How should I approach job applications - hospital sites or job boards?

Use both strategies. Apply directly through major health system career portals for fastest response. Simultaneously use Indeed, LinkedIn, and Healthcare job boards to find smaller facilities. In Virginia, submit 6-10 applications weekly for optimal results.

MHT Interview Tips for Virginia

What Virginia Employers Ask

  • "Describe a time you de-escalated a crisis situation"
  • "How do you maintain professional boundaries with patients?"
  • "What experience do you have with psychiatric documentation?"
  • "How would you handle a patient refusing medication?"
  • "Why do you want to work in mental health?"

Interview Success Tips

  • Research the facility's patient population and specialties
  • Prepare STAR-format stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
  • Highlight any mental health coursework or volunteer experience
  • Demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence
  • Ask about training programs and advancement opportunities

A Day in the Life: MHT in Virginia

6:45 AM

Arrive for shift, review patient charts, attend shift change briefing

8:00 AM

Assist with morning routines, medication rounds, document vitals

12:00 PM

Lead group activities, facilitate therapy sessions, monitor patients

3:00 PM

Complete documentation, prepare shift handoff, update care plans

Typical MHT shifts in Virginia: Day (7am-3pm), Evening (3pm-11pm), Night (11pm-7am). Most facilities offer rotating or fixed schedules.

More MHT Resources

Virginia MHT Training

Free online training program with AMCA-aligned curriculum. Self-paced, no prerequisites required.

View Training Program →

MHT Certification Guide

MHTC certification details, exam prep, and Virginia state requirements explained.

Certification Info →

All 50 State Job Guides

Explore MHT opportunities nationwide. Compare salaries, employers, and job markets.

Browse All States →

State Resources & Support

Virginia Health Department

Explore More MHT Resources