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.