Accelerate Your Healthcare Career

Fast and Affordable Path - Become A Psychiatric Technician

Are you helpful, compassionate, and a good listener? If you want to help improve the quality of life for some of the most needy or vulnerable individuals in today’s society, and move into a stable, fulfilling healthcare career, consider the profession of Psychiatric Technician.

Psychiatric Technicians work as an important member of interdisciplinary healthcare teams in the forefront of care and treatment of individuals with mental illness and/or development disabilities. Their primary goal is to transform lives by supporting each individual in achieving their highest level of independence and functioning.

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Typical Duties of a Licensed Psychiatric Technician Include:

Administering medications and providing routine and emergency nursing care

Assisting patients to develop work skills and participate in recreational activities

Teaching, counseling, and writing reports describing physical and emotional symptoms

Assisting in the behavioral management of patients with serious mental illness

Providing individual and group therapy

Supervising the conduct of patients

Why Should You Become a Psychiatric Technician?

Earn up to $86,988 per year + overtime and incentives
Excellent benefits including retirement plan, paid holidays, and complete healthcare plan.
Quickest way to launch your healthcare career
Many career advancement opportunities

Psychiatric Technicians help people who have mental health challenges. They work in many places, like hospitals, special schools, and group homes. This job is a great way to start a career in healthcare. As a Psychiatric Technician, you can learn valuable skills that can help you become a nurse, social worker, or even a doctor.

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What is the Process for Getting My License?

Step 1

Choose a community college for training

Step 2

Complete the program (typically 12–18 months)

Step 3

Take and pass the license exam

How Do I Get Started on this Career Path?

Get certified through a Psychiatric Technician program! The program is currently offered at several community colleges and vocational schools throughout California. Through a partnership with the California Dept. of State Hospitals (DSH), the following community colleges offer certified Psych Tech training: Coalinga College, Cuesta College, Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, Mt. San Antonio College, Napa Valley College, Porterville College, San Bernardino Valley College, and San Joaquin Delta College.

Ready to Make a Difference in People’s Lives?

The Psychiatric Technician Program is your pathway to a fulfilling career in mental health. While program lengths may vary, most colleges offer a 12–18-month intensive course designed to equip you with the essential skills to work in state hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities.

What will you learn?

Clinical Skills: Master the art of patient care, from administering medications to providing compassionate support.

Psychiatric Principles: Gain a deep understanding of mental health disorders and effective treatment strategies.

Therapeutic Relationships: Develop strong bonds with patients and learn how to create a supportive environment.

Group Therapy: Participate in group therapy sessions and learn how to facilitate these crucial interactions.

Your future in mental health

After completing the program, you'll be ready to sit for the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician license exam. With your license in hand, you’ll have the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings across California, making a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

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Psychiatric Technician College Program Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the program offered?

You can pursue a career as a Psychiatric Technician by completing a program at a California community college or vocational school.

Several institutions, including Cuesta College, Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, Mt. San Antonio College, Napa Valley College, Porterville College, San Bernardino Valley College, and Coalinga College, offer specialized training programs specifically designed for those interested in working as Psychiatric Technicians at California Department of State Hospitals (DSH).

Career Opportunities in DSH

DSH is actively recruiting Psychiatric Technicians to join their teams across California. The demand for Psych Techs is high.

How long is the program?

Up to three semesters (12-18 months).

Is financial aid available?

Some or most of the program costs may be covered by Financial Aid grants or loans. Students are encouraged to apply at the Financial Aid Office weeks before they wish to begin taking courses at any college. You can also qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness if you join the DSH after graduating.

Can I be paid while getting the certification?

Yes! For example, at any of the five California Dept. of State Hospitals locations, you may be eligible for the 20/20 Sponsorship Program, meaning you can participate in an approved academic program full-time, while working half-time and still receive full pay and benefits. Part-time work is also available.

The California Dept. of State Hospitals-Napa has a similar program called the Fast Track Program. This Psychiatric Technician Apprentice Program offers individuals the opportunity to become licensed Psychiatric Technicians through 3,000 hours of on-the-job training plus classroom instruction in mental health, developmental disabilities, nursing science, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology. Apprentices in DSH Napa's program will first complete the Hospital's in-house program to become Certified Nurse Assistants. Then they will start the 12-month Napa "Fast Track" Psychiatric Technician education program. Each apprentice receives 40-hour per week pay for attending class and working in the Hospital, assisting medical and nursing staff in the care and treatment of patients with serious mental illnesses. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will be eligible to take the State's Psychiatric Technician license examination.

When can I start the program?

Entry into the program is each Fall (August), Summer (May), and Spring (January) semesters. The enrollment process should start about 4 months prior to school starting (drug-free, physical requirements, etc.) and typically requires applicants complete necessary prerequisites as well as an application.

How many students are accepted into each class?

Depending on the location, the Psychiatric Technician Program currently admits approximately 30-45 qualified applicants to each class.

Where are Psychiatric Technicians typically employed?

State of California Department
Private Hospitals & Clinics
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Residential Care Facilities
Developmental Centers Correctional Facilities
Vocational Training Centers

What is the cost of program?
(Certificate only)

The total cost of the program is about $2,392–$4,041 and includes the BVNPT initial test that qualifies you as a Psych Tech.

Student Loan Forgiveness

DSH is a Qualifying Employer in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
The PSLF is a federal program which forgives the remainder of a borrower’s student loans after 10 years of public service work.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program.