Psychiatric Technician


Work Tasks

PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIANS provide nursing care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients. They help patients with personal hygiene, such as bathing. They encourage patients to develop work skills and social relationships and to join in recreational activities. They maintain daily records of patient's physical condition, including pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and respiration. They give oral medicine and hypodermic injections, as instructed by physician. They observe behavior patterns of patients and report to medical staff. They restrain violent or potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal, or physical means as necessary.

Salary, Size & Growth

Entry Requirements

Some states require PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIANS to complete a formal, one-year training program. Programs include coursework in nursing science and behavioral science. Training is offered in vocational/technical centers and community colleges. Some states require psychiatric technicians to be licensed. Qualifications for licensing vary from state to state but usually include an approved course of study and passing a written examination.