Psychiatric Technician

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about mental health and patient care.
Make a meaningful impact by supporting patients' emotional and physical well-being.
Engage in diverse tasks, from monitoring health to aiding in rehabilitation.

💰 Earn $46K-$78K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 17.1% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.

Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients.
Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled patients to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Vocational Training

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

13,200 Annually

Median Earnings

$65,200 in California

$39,700 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Psychiatric Technician? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@_bigox_23

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Relating with or serving others
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Psychiatric Technician

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years