Introduction - Psychiatric Technician
The field of psychiatry came into being out of a deep desire to help individuals with mental or behavioural health challenges. These patients are encouraged to remember that “they are braver than they believe, stronger than they seem and smarter than they think.’’
As professionals who help the experts evaluate, diagnose and treat such people, Psychiatric Technicians play a critical role in enhancing the emotional stability of society at large.
Similar Job Titles Job Description
- Mental Health Technician
- Mental Health Worker
- Licensed Psychiatric Technician
- Behavioural Health Technician
What does a Psychiatric Technician do?
What are the typical responsibilities of a Psychiatric Technician?
A Psychiatric Technician would typically need to:
- Provide therapeutic care and monitor people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities
- Observe patients’ behaviour and medical condition; record patients’ vital signs regularly; communicate with patients and pay attention to their concerns
- Follow the doctor’s instructions; help patients with medication and necessary treatment; observe patient progress to identify the need for additional services or changes in the current treatment plan
- Assist patients with basic daily activities such as eating and bathing; take charge of patients during therapeutic and recreational activities
- Aid in admitting and discharging patients; transport patients to different places within the facility
- Facilitate a physically and emotionally safe environment where patients can manage their illnesses and disabilities to hasten the healing process
- Give first-aid when needed; recognise and report homicidal or suicidal behaviour in patients; restrain physically violent patients
- Maintain detailed patient records and medical histories to ensure patients receive optimal treatment; update psychiatric doctors on current patient care and condition
- Participate in staff meetings to discuss observations of patient behaviour and progress in therapeutic and personal activities and interactions; help cleaning the mental health care facility
Psychiatric Technician Work Environment
Psychiatric Technicians typically work in facilities geared towards helping people with mental illness. They have to move from one room to another, checking on their charges and spend a large part of their day on their feet.
Work Schedule Professionals generally work in either part-time or full-time shifts. Additionally, since mentally ill patients require assistance around the clock, Psychiatric Technicians may need to work during non-traditional hours such as nights, weekends, and holidays.
Employers Finding a new job might seem challenging. Psychiatric Technicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Psychiatric Technicians are generally employed by:
- Rehabilitative Youth Centres
- Suicidal Ideation Treatment Centres
- Drug & Alcohol Residential Treatment Centres
- Behavioural Rehabilitation Centres
- Addiction Treatment Centres
- Hospitals
- Treatment Centres for Individuals With Eating Disorders
- Private Psychiatric Hospitals
- Federal & State Prisons
- Public Psychiatric Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Hospices
- Community Mental Health Centres
- Residential Treatment Centres for the Intellectually Disabled
- Group Homes for the Intellectually Disabled
Unions / Professional Organizations Professional associations and organisations such as the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) are crucial for a Psychiatric Technician interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Workplace Challenges
- Unpleasant, emotionally disturbing and potentially dangerous encounters with uncooperative, violent, or disoriented patients
- Physical strain from being on their feet for long periods; the highest rate of injuries and illnesses from lifting patients and working with physically uncooperative patients
- Lack of work-life balance from being away from home during weekends, nights, and holidays
Work Experience for a Psychiatric Technician
Any postsecondary program that a potential Psychiatric Technician takes up typically requires a period of supervised work experience or cooperative programs which offer academic credit.
Work experience demonstrates your interest and dedication to the profession. It allows you to gain experience in identifying a client’s mental illness and understanding how to treat them.
Besides, aspiring Psychiatric Technicians may take advantage of training programs offered by healthcare organisations. Over the course of three to four years, these trainees learn how to identify a client’s mental health issues and the way to treat them.
Most Psychiatric Technicians gain clinical experience by working as nursing assistants or licensed practical nurses. Working with a diverse range of clients helps you build an understanding of different behaviours, situations, and problems you may encounter during your practice as a Psychiatric Technician.
Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in psychiatry to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
Recommended Qualifications for a Psychiatric Technician
Psychiatric Technicians generally have postsecondary certificates. Most Psychiatric Technicians complete their postsecondary education in nursing or obtain a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in mental health, applied science or psychology.
Ideally, such programs include psychiatric management principles, nursing fundamentals, group therapy, general & behavioural psychology, counselling techniques, anger management, medical records & documentation, pharmacology and patient’s rights.
Admission into these programs may require the applicants to have studied psychology, biology, math, and English composition at the high school level.
Certifications, Licenses and Registration Certification demonstrates a Psychiatric Technician's competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Professionals necessarily have to be CPR certified.
Gaining additional certification in mental health or developmental disabilities from a reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.
Some employers prefer Psychiatric Technicians who have obtained licensure.
Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Check-in with local or national psychiatric organisations to find whether you will need licensure.
Psychiatric Technician Career Path
Psychiatric Technicians with a master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing can also work as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) in Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist positions.
In addition to carrying out the usual duties of a Psychiatric Technician, APRNs are also responsible for treating mental disorders in individuals or families. They are qualified to go into private practice and offer consultations to patients.
Psychiatric Technicians who pursue relevant higher education can become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses. They can assess, diagnose and treat individuals and families with psychiatric disorders or the potential for such conditions.
It allows them to own private practices and offer consultation services to communities and legislators.
Job Prospects Candidates with postsecondary certificates and work experience have the best job prospects.
Psychiatric Technician Professional Development
Working as a Psychiatric Technician includes closely supervised on-the-job training that involves working with patients and attending workshops, lectures, or in-service training. After training, they may choose to work in community groups which gives them experience with the job.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in mental health and psychology can help you move up to a supervisory position or specialise in substance abuse or autism. It can also help you move to other mental health careers such as counselling or social work.
Psychiatric Technicians who wish to advance into positions of greater responsibility can acquire a master’s degree or a PhD in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMHN), a highly specialised area in this field.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Psychiatric Technician build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.
CPD allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. It also enables the regular renewal of your professional license and certifications.
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Tools of the Trade
Psychiatric Technicians frequently use charts and written records of a patient's behaviour, past psychiatric evaluations, background, medical history, and medications. In many cases, they dispense medication such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, and mood stabilisers either orally or by a shot.
Psychiatric Technicians follow a customised treatment plan and maintain a detailed account of patient progress so that the experts may make educated decisions on continuing with the plan as is or making necessary changes.
Individual or group therapy is one of the tools in the technician’s kitty that helps the patients understand their behaviour and develop solutions to combat their problems.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Psychiatric Technicians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, a full-time Psychiatric Technician has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
Conclusion
As Hedy Lamarr famously said, “When the brain is sick, and you must throw up, you do it by being purged.” By dint of their professional skills and compassion, Psychiatric Technicians assist patients in purging themselves of their mental health and behavioural issues.
Advice from the Wise Dale Archer says that, as a psychiatric professional, you must deal with patients who are ‘pathological liars’ with the utmost caution, and you cannot take anything they say at face value.