Accelerate Your
Healthcare Career
Healthcare Career
Are you helpful, compassionate, and a good listener? Would you like to play an integral role in the care and treatment of individuals with mental illness and/or development disabilities? 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.
Accelerate Your
Healthcare Career
Healthcare Career
Are you helpful, compassionate, and a good listener? Would you like to play an integral role in the care and treatment of individuals with mental illness and/or development disabilities? 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.
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.
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
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 $89,592 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.
Why Should You Become a Psychiatric Technician?
- Earn up to $89,592 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.
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?
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
Your future in mental health
Psychiatric Technician College Program Map
Minimum Qualifications for Psych Tech Certification Program:
Minimum Qualifications for Psych Tech Certification Program:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Submit proof of graduation from high school or equivalent
- Pass a background check, fingerprints, drug screening, and physical exam
- Must meet basic English and Math requirements
- Must complete prerequisites for selected school program
- Must have a valid California Driver’s License and a U.S. Social Security card
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Submit proof of graduation from high school or equivalent
- Pass a background check, fingerprints, drug screening, and physical exam
- Must meet basic English and Math requirements
- Must complete prerequisites for selected school program
- Must have a valid California Driver’s License and a U.S. Social Security card
Contact Us
Interested in enrolling? Please get in touch with a representative.
Questions? Ask us! We'd love to hear from you.
California Department of State Hospitals
1215 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Privacy | Accessibility | Accessibility Certification
Copyright © 2026 State of California.
