Psychiatric Technician

• Mental Health Disorders: Understanding common psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.
• Patient Care Techniques: Developing skills in direct patient care, including monitoring patient behavior, administering medications, and assisting with daily living activities.
• Communication and Documentation: Learning how to effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare teams, as well as how to document patient progress and observations.
  
• Crisis Intervention: Training on how to manage challenging behaviors and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations: Understanding the rights of patients and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare workers in mental health settings.
  

Psychiatric Technician (CE Skills Award)

Courses Required:

• PMHS 1009 - Psychiatric Technician I
  
• PMHS 1060 - Clinical - Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for entry-level roles as psychiatric technicians or mental health technicians, where they can contribute to the care and support of patients with psychiatric or developmental challenges.

Certification

The Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician is offered by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT). Psychiatric Technicians are mental health employees who provide hands-on care to people with varying degrees of mental illnesses and/or developmental disabilities. Some states allow for additional certification to become Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technicians (NCPTs).

Psychiatric Technicians have more training than aides. They take part in both the planning and implementation of client treatment plans. They may be responsible for admitting and interviewing patients, record-keeping, administering medications, and conducting therapy sessions.

There are four levels of eligibility to become an NCPT through the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT). All candidates must pass the first-level exam. The Level One certification examination is an open book, 201 multiple-choice test.