Psychiatric Technicians
Psychiatric Technicians care for mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed individuals, following physician instructions and hospital procedures.They monitor patients' physical and emotional well being and report to medical staff.
They may participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral medications and hypodermic injections.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Graduation from a Board-approved 12-month Psychiatric Technician program or a combination of nursing science coursework and paid work experience.
- Qualifying scores on the written licensing exam.
- Licensed by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners.
- Able to respond to needs of emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled patients.
- Fingerprint clearance is required.
Wages
- Psychiatric Technicians Median hourly wage: $20.67
- Average annual wage: $47,325
Job Outlook
- Estimated number of Psychiatric Technicians in 2000: 11,500
- Estimated number of Psychiatric Technicians in 2010: 12,000
- Estimated annual job openings: 350
Possible Career Paths for Psychiatric Technicians include becoming a:
- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Nursing Coordinator
- Unit Supervisor
- Psychiatric Technician Instructor