Psychiatric Technician

What does a Psychiatric Technician do?

 

Licensed Psychiatric Technicians (PTs) are responsible for the care of mentally disordered and developmentally disabled clients.  They work under the direction of a physician, psychologist, rehabilitation therapist, social worker, registered nurse or other professional personnel.

 

  • Administers medications to patients, monitors use, and documents reactions; instructs patients on the purpose, dosage, and side effects of medication.
  • Obtains medical, psychiatric, social, and family histories of new admissions; takes and records vital signs; obtains lab specimens; assists physicians with exams; schedules and arranges for special tests; develops discharge plans; maintains charts and logs; monitors supplies; draws blood.
  • Assists and teaches patients basic living and working skills.
  • Observes assigned patients on a daily basis to identify, interpret, and document physical and emotional status and/or patterns, and response to treatment or medication;
  • Participates in or leads individual or group counseling sessions, family conferences, and recreational and social therapy sessions.

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    Where PTs are Employed:

     

  • Residential Care Facilities
  • Day Treatment Facilities
  • Psychiatric Hospitals & Clinics
  • State Hospitals
  • Correctional Facilities
  • Developmental Centers

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    Web Resources: 

     

    Occupational Outlook Handbook

     

    California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

     

    Course Content:

     

    The CNEI Psychiatric Technician Program prepares students to help care for physically or mentally ill, injured, disabled, or infirm individuals confined to hospitals, nursing care facilities, and mental health settings.  The program includes the following subjects:

     

    Anatomy & Physiology

    Nutrition

    Psychology

    Normal Growth & Development

    Nursing Fundamentals

    Mental Disorders

    Medical/Surgical Nursing

    Nursing Process

    Pharmacology

    Developmental Disabilities

    Patient Education

    Supervision

    Leadership

     

    At the conclusion of the program the student is eligible to take the State Examination for Licensed Psychiatric Technician. The student will receive a Certificate of Completion upon satisfactory completion of the program.

     

    Welcome to the ED Gainful Employment Program Disclosure

    The information below is designed by the U.S. Department of Education to give prospective students and parents information that may be helpful in choosing which school and which program to attend.

     

    6-digit OPEID:  039353

    PROGRAM NAME & LENGTH:  Psychiatric Technician, 60 weeks

    Department of Education 6-digit CIP:  51.1502

    The level for this program: Certificate

    The program length in months: 14

     

    RELATED OCCUPATIONS:  CNA, LVN, RN, Home Health Aide, Caregiver, Medical Assistant

     

    COST:  $25,500 

    Enter the total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program: $335

    The URL for program cost information available on the institution’s website under Sec. 668.43(a): www.cnei.edu/programs

     

    DEBT AT PROGRAM COMPLETION:

    The number of students completing the program between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010:  0

    The last group of students completed the program May 8, 2009

     

    PROGRAM COMPLETION IN NORMAL TIME:  14 months