Psychiatric Technicians

Also Called: Mental Health Associate, Mental Health Technician (MHT), Mental Health Worker, Psychiatric Technician (PT)

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$31,150

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Psychiatric Technicians 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.
Industry Areas:

Health Care • Retail Sales and Services

Training Program Areas:

Human Services • Nurse Assistant • Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide • OCT-Only Health Care • OCT-Only Retail Sales & Service • Patient Care Technician

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections
  • Contact With Others
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People

Tools

  • Therapeutic heating or cooling pads or compresses or packs
  • Oxygen therapy delivery system products accessories or its supplies
  • Wheelchairs
  • Blood pressure cuff kits
  • Intermittent positive pressure breathing IPPB machines

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Medical software
GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
Netsmart Technologies Avatar Clinical Workstation CWS
Office suite software
Microsoft Office

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension

Knowledge

Math and Science
psychology
Health
therapy and counseling
Business
customer service
management
Safety and Government
public safety and security

Education

  • % High school diploma or equivalent
  • % Master's degree
  • % Post-baccalaureate certificate

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Psychiatric Technicians Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Residential Advisors

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Registered Nurses

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Social & Human Service Assistants

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

  • Adelphi University

    Garden City, NY

Apprenticeships

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Enterprising (Persuader)
    • Realistic (Doer)
    • Social (Helper)

Work Styles

  • Concern for Others
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Self Control

Values

  • Relationships
  • Support
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Psychiatric Technicians across the country typically make.

$14.98 / hour
$31,150 /year

Entry Level

$19.09 / hour
$39,700 /year

Median Level

$28.84 / hour
$59,990 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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