Psychiatric Technician

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Work Tasks

• Provide nursing care to patients in mental hospitals or clinics
• Give medicines and take patients' vital signs
• Help patients dress and care for themselves
• Lead group therapy sessions and keep records on patient care
• Work for state and county mental institutions, psychiatric units of hospitals, private psychiatric facilities, community mental health centers, and addiction treatment centers
• Work with patients, patient charts and records, medical equipment, medications, medical supplies, bathing items, bed linens, and other supplies

Salary, Size & Growth

• $34,500 average per year ($16.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (72,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.4% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A certificate or diploma from a formal, one-year training program.
• Skills/Courses: Courses include nursing science and behavioral science.
• Certification/Licensing: Some states require psychiatric technicians to be licensed.