Psychiatric Technology, Certificate of Achievement

This program prepares students to meet the requirements for licensure as a Psychiatric Technician in the state of California. A Psychiatric Technician is a licensed member of the professional services team working with people who are mentally disordered and/or developmentally disabled. Psychiatric technicians practice under the direction of a physician, psychologist, rehabilitation therapist, social worker, registered nurse or other professional personnel. Graduates will be prepared to be employed by private and state hospitals, developmental centers, and community mental health facilities, Psychiatric Technicians will increasingly find a variety of jobs available in the fields of corrections and human services. These include day care centers, substance abuse programs, forensic facilities, special education and many other areas promoting intellectual, developmental and mental health. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to the BVNPT to take the State Board Licensure Examination.  

Program Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate comprehension of the various ethical issues that arise in the context of client-centered care in healthcare settings.

2. Accurately document all clinical assessments and interventions in a timely manner, prioritizing patient care while delivering appropriate services.

3. Effectively participate as a member of an interdisciplinary team in a therapeutic environment.

4. Communicate effectively in a professional setting.

5. Engage diversity and difference from a perspective of cultural humility in the performance of patient care duties.

10-15 students annually

This program will prepare students to enter the workforce by providing them with the knowledge, skills and dispositions required for employment as an entry level Psychiatric Technician working under the direction of a physician, psychologist, rehabilitation therapist, social worker, registered nurse, or other professional personnel. Graduates will be able to seek employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, day treatment centers, residential care facilities, or other facilities serving psychiatric patients.   

The Psychiatric Technology Program is a three-semester program designed to prepare qualified students to practice as psychiatric technicians. The program provides two approaches to learning as coursework is combined with practical application. Clinical training occurs in hospitals and health agencies. A certificate in Psychiatric Technician is granted by the college after completion of the program, and the student is then eligible to take the examination for state licensure.