OVERVIEW
What is a Psychiatric Technician?
A psychiatric technician is a healthcare professional who specializes in caring for individuals with mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse issues. They work closely with patients to provide therapeutic care, administer medication, monitor vital signs, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Psychiatric technicians work closely with psychologists, psychiatrists, primary care doctors, and nurses to implement care plans and assist with activities of daily living.
This rewarding profession is a great option for empathetic individuals who desire to have a positive impact on patients' lives in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, group homes, and long-term care facilities. Read on to learn about the responsibilities, skills and knowledge, education requirements, salary, and job outlook of a psychiatric technician.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Psychiatric Technician Do?
Psychiatric technicians play a vital role in the mental health care system, providing support and assistance to individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, and may require working shifts on nights, weekends, and holidays. Responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks aimed at providing support and care within psychiatric facilities. The day-to-day duties of a psychiatric technician include:
Monitoring patient behavior. This involves observing and documenting patient actions and recording relevant information to track progress and identify changes in patients’ behavior or condition.
Assessing patient treatment and safety. Evaluating patient needs and treatment effectiveness is important for ensuring optimal care and minimizing risks to patient safety.
Assisting patients with daily activities. Providing hands-on support to help patients with essential tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating promotes patient independence and well-being.
Administering treatment. Dispensing medications and implementing treatment plans as prescribed by healthcare professionals is crucial to managing patients' medical conditions effectively.
Offering emotional support. Fostering a supportive environment by establishing trust, actively listening to patients, and providing compassionate interactions benefits patients' psychological and emotional needs.
Maintaining a safe environment. Implementing safety measures and effectively handling crisis situations with appropriate interventions ensures the physical and emotional safety of patients and staff.
Accompanying patients to appointments. Assisting patients in accessing necessary services ensures adherence to treatment plans.
Interacting with patients during outings. Accompanying patients on group recreational activities and outings helps promote socialization, physical activity, and quality of life for patients.
Enforcing safety protocols. Implementing and enforcing safety procedures, such as regular check-ins, helps maintain a secure environment for patients and staff.
Maintaining accurate patient records and incident reports. This responsibility involves documenting patient information, treatment plans, and any incidents to track patient progress and improve safety measures.
Adhering to ethical standards. Conducting all interactions with patients in accordance with ethical principles and legal regulations is a must for maintaining trust and ensuring patients privacy.
Where Does a Psychiatric Technician Work?
Psychiatric technicians work in a variety of healthcare settings, each providing a different type of patient care:
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Psychiatric units within hospitals
- Residential mental health facilities
- Group homes
- Outpatient mental health clinics
- Community health centers
- Correctional facilities
- Juvenile detention centers
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Rehabilitation facilities
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Psychiatric Technician?
To provide optimum patient care, a psychiatric technician must have knowledge and understanding of mental health, psychology, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. Entry-level positions provide valuable on-the-job experience, but employers typically seek candidates with a minimum of an associate degree in mental health for this role.
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology equips aspiring psychiatric technicians with the education and skills to enter this role with confidence. Key subject areas studied in a bachelor’s degree program include psychology, substance abuse, mental health, neuropsychology, behavioral science, and research methods. Some programs offer supervised work experience, which can enhance your understanding of the day-to-day realities of working in psychiatric care.
Some states require psychiatric technicians to pass a licensing exam upon completion of an accredited degree program. The American Association of Psychiatric Technicians recommends voluntary certification, which can lead to better pay and promotional opportunities.
Best Degrees for a Psychiatric Technician
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are...
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are wanting to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a post-master's certificate program.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: This program can be finished within 1.5 years, depending on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set.
- Tuition and fees: $6,955 per six-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their MSN but are wanting to add a specilization to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This post-master's certificate program is only available in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Health & Nursing
Psychology – B.S.
An online psychology program for students who want to make a difference in...
An online psychology program for students who want to make a difference in their life, and the lives of others.
- Time: 95% of students finish similar programs in less than 4 years.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Social psychology
- Consumer psychology
- Adult psychology
- Mental health awareness
- Psychopathology
This degree allows you to gain valuable knowledge and experience in the field of psychology and can prepare you for additional certifications or careers.
How Much Does a Psychiatric Technician Make?
$37,380
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychiatric technicians made an average annual salary of $37,380 in 2023. Their salaries ranged from $28,660 at the low end, with the top 10% earning around $58,880. Level of education, years of experience, and type of facility contribute to the variations in annual pay.
What Is the Job Outlook?
9%
Psychiatric technician jobs are projected to grow by 9% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the national average for all occupations, according to the BLS. Projected employment of psychiatric technicians varies across healthcare facilities and specialties. For example, an increasing demand is anticipated for technicians and aides specializing in cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease and dementia due to an aging population.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Psychiatric Technician Need?
If you're considering a career as a psychiatric technician, possessing a specific skill set tailored to the demands of the mental health field is essential. These key skills are typically required for this role:
- Empathy and compassion for supporting mental health patients, especially when they are in distress.
- Patience and tolerance to maintain composure and provide care during challenging situations with psychiatric patients.
- Strong observational skills for accurate assessment of patient behaviors.
- Effective communication with healthcare professionals and patients.
- Crisis management skills for handling emergency situations calmly and effectively.
- Emotional resilience for coping with the emotional demands of the job.
- Knowledge of mental health disorders and treatment options for providing competent care.
- Knowledge of first aid and CPR.
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