Psychiatric & Mental Health Technician
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“We are often called the secret weapon because we can come in and de-escalate difficult situations with clients facing a mental health crisis even though we may not have a rapport with them. We have the training to talk to them in a manner where we can calm them down and then form some kind of resolution.”
Jayzle Piga, MS, Faculty Member, Napa Valley College
Mental health awareness is rising, but not all mental health careers occur in clinics. Psychiatric technicians are mental health professionals who care for patients with cognitive and developmental disabilities in assisted living and private care environments. According to the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT), psychiatric technicians “carry out doctors’ orders, serving as the eyes, ears, and hands of the diagnosing professional.”
Psychiatric and mental health technicians are vital players in mental health treatment. Rather than seeing patients in a clinic, psychiatric technicians work with patients in various settings. While these titles are used interchangeably, a psychiatric technician is used more often and is the job for which the most certifications and degree programs are offered.
A third title, psychiatric aide, is often grouped into the same category, but these professionals are more entry-level than psychiatric technicians. Many psychiatric technicians start as aides—mainly assisting with the daily living functions of mental health patients—and become technicians with more experience and education.
The job outlook for mental health technicians is better than average and slated for growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), the need for psychiatric technicians will grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the national average (3 percent). This means an estimated 12,000 new positions will be needed in the same decade.
A psychiatric technician works closely with mental health treatment teams to improve patient outcomes. The daily tasks of a psychiatric technician vary widely depending on the clinical setting. Some technicians may spend most of their time helping severely disabled patients with essential living functions, including feeding, dressing, and bathing. Psychiatric technicians with more training may have more clinically focused tasks such as interviewing new patients, monitoring patient progress, and helping to determine treatment plans alongside other mental health professionals.
Psychiatric and mental health technicians are not federally licensed, although a few states have licensing requirements through their respective boards of nursing. In most states, entry-level jobs as psychiatric technicians or aides are available without certification or specific education. However, academic programs are still available for those who want a head start in the job market.
Read on to learn more about becoming a psychiatric and mental health technician—an immensely satisfying career that can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Meet the Expert: Jayzle Piga, MS
Jayzle Piga is a faculty member in the psychiatry technician program at Napa Valley College. Piga graduated from high school in 1997 and started on her career path with the completion of the psychiatric technician program at Napa Valley College. She then gained valuable experience working at Napa State Hospital from 1999 to 2001.
In 2001, Piga joined the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, serving as a medical technical assistant at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville. In this role, she combined her nursing skills with peace officer duties until a life-altering incident in 2016 led to her medical retirement.
Despite the challenges that followed, including a traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and multiple facial lacerations, she continued to pursue her academic goals. She earned a bachelor’s of science in 2012, followed by a master’s of science in 2014, and is currently working towards her PhD. Since 2018, Piga has been working in her role as an educator, imparting her extensive knowledge and experience to students.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about psychiatric technicians?
Piga: I would like people to understand that psychiatric technicians have the same licensing level as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Many people hear our name and license and think that the technician part means we don’t have a lot of training. This throws them off. However, we are highly trained to deal with the complexities of a person’s mental and physical ailments.
We are often called the secret weapon because we can come in and de-escalate difficult situations with clients facing a mental health crisis even though we may not have a rapport with them. We have the training to talk to them in a manner where we can calm them down and then form some kind of resolution. Just because our title includes the word tech doesn’t mean we are less than.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring psychiatric technician students?
Piga: First and foremost, you must take care of yourself mentally. It is a necessity. I often tell students that while this may be the most money they have ever made, they should not let the money drive them. Remember also to live and spend that money. Take care of your mental health. Go on the vacation. Take a day off. It even goes so far as making sure you get your lunch break and get off the unit while doing so.
The other piece of advice I have is to treat everyone as a human being first. When you do that, you can quickly establish rapport and make that person feel like they matter. Whether they are a patient, an inmate, a homeless person, or anyone else, as long as you look at them as if their life matters—and it does—they are more than willing to respect and trust you.
Degree & Certification Programs for Psychiatric Health
In many states, entry-level work as a psychiatric and mental health technician does not require a degree or formal training. However, to advance through the field, obtain higher levels of certification, and widen one’s job prospects, it’s advisable to seek formal training from a psychiatric technician, assistant degree, or certificate program. These programs provide solid foundations in basic anatomy and biology and the fundamentals of psychiatric training necessary to excel in entry-level jobs.
Some programs offer associate of science (AS) degrees, while others culminate in certification with no degree. It should be noted that even the lowest level of certification possible from the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) requires a high school diploma or GED to be eligible.
Here is a selection of psychiatric and mental health technician training programs in the United States.
Napa Valley College: This school has several on-campus pathways for aspiring psychiatric technicians, including a three-semester program designed to prepare PTs for licensure in California and a paid apprenticeship program. Courses include psychopharmacology, assessment and intervention of the client with developmental disabilities, etiologies, behavior modification, case management, the role of psychiatric technician, psychopharmacology, mental health nursing I and II, and management of assaultive behaviors.
- Location: Napa, CA
- Duration: Three semesters
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
Cypress College (Certificate): The psychiatric technician certificate program at Cypress College in Cypress, California, consists of 52 credits, including prerequisites and electives. Students can complete additional general education courses to earn their associate of science (AS) degree. This competitive program only accepts 24 students every fall and spring semester.
Students who score 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology exam can petition to take fewer courses and earn their degree faster. Cypress College offers free tuition to students who meet specific qualifications.
- Location: Cypress, CA
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
Pueblo Community College (Certificate): With four campuses across western Colorado, the Pueblo Community College program is ideal for residents of that region. This psychiatric technician certificate program is also brief, requiring two semesters. Students learn the basics necessary to work as psychiatric technicians in Colorado, including basic nursing skills and psychiatric concepts. Pre-requisite courses include basic anatomy and physiology, nurse aid health care skills, and clinical experience.
- Location: Pueblo, CO
- Duration: One semester
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
San Bernardino Valley College (AS): At San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino, California, students can enroll in a one-year program to become eligible for the California Psychiatric Technician licensing examination. Students will take psychiatric technology, nursing science, and behavioral science courses. Students must also take required core classes to earn the optional AS degree.
- Location: San Bernardino, CA
- Duration: One year
- Accreditation: California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
List of Psychiatric & Mental Health Technician Schools
| School | City | State | Website | GRADS ('21) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Star College System | The Woodlands | Texas | https://www.lonestar.edu | 129 |
| CUNY Kingsborough Community College | Brooklyn | New York | https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu | 104 |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College | Long Island City | New York | https://www.laguardia.edu | 97 |
| Cuesta College | San Luis Obispo | California | https://www.cuesta.edu | 71 |
| San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino | California | https://www.valleycollege.edu | 58 |
| Mt San Antonio College | Walnut | California | https://www.mtsac.edu | 55 |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee | Wisconsin | https://www.matc.edu | 52 |
| Napa Valley College | Napa | California | https://www.napavalley.edu | 52 |
| West Hills College-Coalinga | Coalinga | California | https://westhillscollege.com/coalinga | 44 |
| Columbus State Community College | Columbus | Ohio | https://www.cscc.edu | 44 |
| Gateway Technical College | Kenosha | Wisconsin | https://www.gtc.edu | 39 |
| Cypress College | Cypress | California | https://www.cypresscollege.edu | 39 |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton | California | https://www.deltacollege.edu | 37 |
| Western Technical College | La Crosse | Wisconsin | https://www.westerntc.edu | 35 |
| Northern Essex Community College | Haverhill | Massachusetts | https://www.necc.mass.edu | 34 |
| Middlesex Community College | Bedford | Massachusetts | https://www.middlesex.mass.edu | 34 |
| Housatonic Community College | Bridgeport | Connecticut | https://housatonic.edu | 31 |
| Tunxis Community College | Farmington | Connecticut | https://tunxis.edu | 28 |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland | Ohio | https://www.tri-c.edu | 27 |
| Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth | Texas | https://www.tccd.edu | 27 |
| Madison Area Technical College | Madison | Wisconsin | https://madisoncollege.edu | 23 |
| Alvin Community College | Alvin | Texas | https://www.alvincollege.edu | 23 |
| McLennan Community College | Waco | Texas | https://www.mclennan.edu | 22 |
| Pierce College District | Lakewood | Washington | https://www.pierce.ctc.edu | 21 |
| Gateway Community College | New Haven | Connecticut | https://www.gatewayct.edu | 20 |
| High Plains Technology Center | Woodward | Oklahoma | https://www.hptc.edu | 18 |
| Porterville College | Porterville | California | https://www.portervillecollege.edu | 17 |
| Naugatuck Valley Community College | Waterbury | Connecticut | https://nv.edu | 17 |
| Houston Community College | Houston | Texas | https://www.hccs.edu | 17 |
| Allegany College of Maryland | Cumberland | Maryland | https://www.allegany.edu | 15 |
| Belmont College | St Clairsville | Ohio | https://belmontcollege.edu | 15 |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay | Wisconsin | https://www.nwtc.edu | 14 |
| Blackhawk Technical College | Janesville | Wisconsin | https://www.blackhawk.edu | 13 |
| San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena | Texas | https://www.sanjac.edu | 13 |
| Yuba College | Marysville | California | https://yc.yccd.edu | 12 |
| Three Rivers Community College | Norwich | Connecticut | https://threerivers.edu | 12 |
| Atlantic Technical College | Coconut Creek | Florida | https://www.atlantictechnicalcollege.edu | 11 |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo | Colorado | https://pueblocc.edu | 11 |
| Century College | White Bear Lake | Minnesota | https://www.century.edu | 10 |
| Asnuntuck Community College | Enfield | Connecticut | https://asnuntuck.edu | 10 |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | Fennimore | Wisconsin | https://www.swtc.edu | 10 |
| North Central Missouri College | Trenton | Missouri | https://www.ncmissouri.edu | 9 |
| Middlesex Community College | Middletown | Connecticut | https://mxcc.edu | 9 |
| Norwalk Community College | Norwalk | Connecticut | https://norwalk.edu | 9 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco | California | https://www.usfca.edu | 8 |
| College of Southern Maryland | La Plata | Maryland | https://www.csmd.edu | 5 |
| Hacienda La Puente Adult Education | La Puente | California | https://www.hlpae.com | 5 |
| Pennsylvania Institute of Technology | Media | Pennsylvania | https://www.pit.edu | 4 |
| Wharton County Junior College | Wharton | Texas | https://www.wcjc.edu | 4 |
| Wayne County Community College District | Detroit | Michigan | https://www.wcccd.edu | 4 |
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown | Maryland | https://www.hagerstowncc.edu | 4 |
| Sinclair Community College | Dayton | Ohio | https://www.sinclair.edu | 4 |
| Nicolet Area Technical College | Rhinelander | Wisconsin | https://www.nicoletcollege.edu | 4 |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore | Maryland | https://www.ccbcmd.edu | 2 |
| Montgomery College | Rockville | Maryland | https://www.montgomerycollege.edu | 1 |
| Pikes Peak Community College | Colorado Springs | Colorado | https://www.pikespeak.edu | 1 |
| Mission College | Santa Clara | California | https://missioncollege.edu | 1 |
| Capital Community College | Hartford | Connecticut | https://www.capitalcc.edu | 1 |
| San Antonio College | San Antonio | Texas | https://www.alamo.edu/sac | 1 |
| Quinebaug Valley Community College | Danielson | Connecticut | https://qvcc.edu | 1 |
| Northwestern Connecticut Community College | Winsted | Connecticut | https://www.nwcc.commnet.edu | 1 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne | Indiana | https://www.pfw.edu | 1 |
| North Shore Community College | Danvers | Massachusetts | https://www.northshore.edu | 1 |
Hybrid & Online Programs for Psychiatric & Mental Health Technicians
While classroom sessions can be valuable, some people do not have the time or resources to commit to a full-time course load or may live outside of the commuting range of an accredited program. In these cases, distance learning can be a great option. Some psychiatric technician online programs might include some hands-on experience in the form of a practicum that students can undertake at their chosen location, while others may be entirely online.
InterCoast (Certificate): InterCoast offers a certificate for Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician, with online courses or in a classroom. The program requires a GED for admittance and prepares students for entry-level work in the mental health field. The program is approved by the Bureau of Private Post Secondary Education (BPPE) in California, takes 720 hours, and takes 52 weeks to complete.
- Location: Santa Ana, CA
- Duration: One year
- Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET)
Midlands Technical College (AS): At Midlands Technical College, students can earn an associate’s of science in psychology specifically designed to prepare them for a career as a mental health technician. Courses in this 61-credit program are delivered on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format, and students can choose full- or part-time enrollment. Graduates from this program can pursue entry-level careers as psychiatric assistants or transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree program.
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
| School | City | State | Website | GRADS ('21) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis | Indiana | https://www.ivytech.edu | 576 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix | Arizona | https://www.gcu.edu | 317 |
| Northcentral Technical College | Wausau | Wisconsin | https://www.ntc.edu | 121 |
| Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach | Alabama | https://www.columbiasouthern.edu | 96 |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta | Maine | https://www.uma.edu | 69 |
| Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee | Wisconsin | https://www.wctc.edu | 29 |
| Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell | Pennsylvania | https://www.mc3.edu | 29 |
| Northwood Technical College | Shell Lake | Wisconsin | https://www.northwoodtech.edu | 24 |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage | Alaska | https://www.uaa.alaska.edu | 20 |
| Stautzenberger College-Maumee | Maumee | Ohio | https://www.sctoday.edu | 19 |
| InterCoast Colleges-West Covina | W. Covina | California | https://intercoast.edu | 12 |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | San Mateo | California | https://www.gurnick.edu | 12 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco | California | https://www.usfca.edu | 8 |
| Stautzenberger College-Brecksville | Brecksville | Ohio | https://www.sctoday.edu | 5 |
| Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College | Rockford | Illinois | https://www.rockfordcareercollege.edu | 5 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls | Minnesota | https://www.minnesota.edu | 4 |
| San Antonio College | San Antonio | Texas | https://www.alamo.edu/sac | 1 |
Core & Elective Courses for Psychiatric & Mental Health Technicians
Required courses will vary from program to program, but there are similarities among most psychiatric technician curricula. These courses include:
- Abnormal psychology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Developmental disabilities
- Introduction to psychology
- Nursing science
For simplicity, other programs may cover the same subjects but group them in more extensive courses with titles like “Psychiatric Technician I.”
General education electives will be required for students attending a program that culminates in a degree. Psychiatric technicians may find it helpful to take courses in a second language, communication skills, or the arts, as all can be useful on the job.
In addition, many psychiatric technician students will be required to pass a background check with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and complete a CPR course before being awarded their certificate or degree.
Accreditation of Psychiatric & Mental Health Technician Programs
There is no accrediting body specific to psychiatric and mental health technician programs. However, institutions of higher learning, including community colleges, earn institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), which is itself approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the accrediting body for the U.S. Department of Education.
The accreditation process differs from one agency to another but generally requires the school to undergo a thorough self-study of facilities, faculty, and curricula and compile a report on the findings. Upon completion of this report, representatives from the accrediting agencies will perform a site visit and decide whether or not to offer preliminary accreditation. For specific criteria, visit the website of the accrediting agency in question.
It is also important to note that where a state requires certification, it may also require governmental approval of psychiatric tech programs. For example, the state of California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) maintains a list of approved programs. To apply for licensure in California, graduates must have attended an approved school. Since these requirements can vary from state to state, applicants to a psychiatric technician program must verify state requirements before pursuing a particular program.
Career Outlook for Psychiatric & Mental Health Technicians
Psychiatric technicians are one of many fast-growing healthcare and allied health careers. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for all healthcare occupations is expected to grow much faster than the average in the coming decade. By comparison, psychiatric technicians and aides are expected to grow 9 percent between 2022 and 2032 (BLS 2024). These figures represent faster than average occupational growth than the national average (3 percent).
However, it should be noted that these projections may increase as more Americans gain access to healthcare that covers mental health treatment. The aging population will continue to need care for cognitive disorders that affect older adults, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
As for pay, the median annual salary for a psychiatric technician is $39,700. The top 10 percent of psychiatric technicians earn $59,990 or more, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than $31,150 (BLS May 2023).
Psychiatric aides’ wages are lower, with the mean salary at $41,000, the top 10 percent at $55,240, and the bottom 10 percent at $27,660.
Psychiatric technicians work in specialty hospitals, followed by the state government, assisted living facilities, local government, and nursing facilities.
Psychiatric and mental health technicians specialize in either mentally ill patients or those with developmental disabilities. There is no wage or experience differential between these two tracks, but the specialization can be worthwhile for people who strongly prefer one type of work or the other. Technicians can also specialize in different populations, from adolescents to older adults, for an even narrower scope of practice.
Licensing & Certification for Psychiatric & Mental Health Technicians
The AAPT offers four levels of certification for psychiatric technicians, depending on the education and experience of the person applying for certification. The requirements are as follows:
- Level 1 requires a high school diploma or GED but no related experience in mental health.
- Level 2 requires at least 480 hours of college or university work in any field and one year of work experience in mental health or developmental disabilities.
- Level 3 requires at least 960 hours of college or university work in any field and two years of work experience in mental health or developmental disabilities.
- Level 4 requires a bachelor’s degree in a mental health or behavioral sciences field and three years of work experience in mental health or developmental disabilities.
Certification at all levels consists of a multiple-choice exam, while applicants for the upper three tiers must also submit an essay portion. According to the BLS, psychiatric aides are not required to be licensed (BLS 2024).
Further, as of 2024, five states require their licensing for psychiatric technicians: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. The specific licensure requirements are different for each state and should be reviewed thoroughly by anyone who plans to work as a psychiatric technician in any of those locations.
