Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.
Impact
The bill permits institutions to create pathways for faster entry into the mental health workforce by allowing early graduation, assuming students meet specific requirements such as completing all necessary coursework. Additionally, the bill mandates that institutions appoint a faculty member to mentor the students during their residency or clinical participation, ensuring adequate support and oversight as they transition into professional roles.
Summary
Assembly Bill A668 aims to provide flexibility for institutions of higher education in New Jersey concerning the graduation timelines of final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions. In light of the increased demand for mental health professionals resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill enables these institutions to allow eligible students to graduate early or be matched with residency or clinical programs earlier than usual. This measure is particularly designed for the academic years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, acknowledging the pressing need for qualified mental health care providers during a time of heightened mental health challenges in the population.
Contention
While the bill is framed as a necessary response to the mental health crisis, there are potential implications regarding the quality of education and readiness of graduates entering the field prematurely. Critics may raise concerns about whether early graduation could compromise the preparedness of new mental health professionals, especially given the complexity of the challenges they will face in practice. Tensions may arise between the urgency to address workforce shortages and the value of comprehensive education and mentorship that traditional graduation timelines ensure.
Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.
Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.
Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Provides tax credits to companies contributing to loan and loan redemption program for residents who attend institutions of higher education in State and work at such company upon graduation.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.