The Psychiatric Technician Certificate of Achievement is 1,564 hours in length and is designed to be completed in three semesters with students spending approximately 35 hours per week in theory and clinical classes. The SRJC Psychiatric Technician program is accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician Examiners (BVNPT). Successful completion of the program entitles the student to apply to take the Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician licensure examination.
Psychiatric Technicians perform services for the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled. Under the direction of a physician, psychiatrist, or registered nurse, these services involve nursing and therapeutic procedures in the areas of interpersonal relationships, rehabilitation of the patient, and teaching social skills, as well as carrying out treatment measures prescribed by a physician or psychiatrist. Treatment measures include basic nursing care, administration of oral and injectable medications, use of specialized machinery and/or instruments and documentation of observations and care in nursing records.
Employment can be found at state developmental centers and psychiatric and correctional facilities. In addition, program graduates find opportunities in private institutions and county psychiatric and addiction treatment centers. There is a very good outlook for qualified job seekers.
Click here for more information about the program, or contact the Health Sciences Department.
Licensure Note:
In accordance with State law, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) may deny licensure for crimes substantially related to the practice of nursing. This includes convictions involving sex crimes, drug crimes (including DUI), and crimes of violence. It is the responsibility of the student to present sufficient evidence of rehabilitation to the BVNPT prior to licensure application.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student will be able to:
- Deliver high quality health care services within the standards of practice for a psychiatric technician;
- perform psychiatric technician job duties professionally and ethically;
- use effective communication skills;
- use critical thinking skills to analyze and resolve nursing issues in the care of individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness;
- demonstrate leadership and team skills; and<
- demonstrate clinical competency of an entry-level psychiatric technician.