PSYTCH 080  19.5 Units  
Psychiatric Technology: Introduction to Nursing Science  

Lecture: 220 contact hours
Lab: 356 contact hours

Limitation on Enrollment: Registration is limited to students who have completed program prerequisites and have been accepted into the Psychiatric Technology Program.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and skills necessary for entry-level psychiatric technician practice, enabling them to provide safe, patient-centered care to adult patients in various community care settings. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication, nursing process, basic nursing care, patient safety, health promotion, cultural responsiveness, disease prevention, foundational medical-surgical nursing, and gerontological nursing within diverse populations. Through a combination of theory, hands-on skills practice, and clinical reasoning, students will learn to deliver compassionate care while demonstrating professional behavior, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration within the healthcare team. This course supports the development of novice psychiatric technician students to function effectively in a variety of healthcare environments within the psychiatric technician scope of practice.

Associate Degree Applicable

PSYTCH 081  19.5 Units  
Developmental Disabilities  

Lecture: 220 contact hours
Lab: 356 contact hours

Prerequisite: PSYTCH 080

Limitation on Enrollment: Registration is limited to students who have completed program prerequisites and have been accepted into the Psychiatric Technology program.

This course builds upon foundational nursing principles to prepare students for intermediate-level psychiatric technician practice, focusing on safe, competent care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on prenatal development, normal growth and development, the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and the etiology of diverse neurodevelopmental disorders. Students will analyze the impact of healthcare systems and health disparities on clinical outcomes, particularly in children with developmental disabilities. The curriculum enhances clinical judgment and technical skills to implement evidence-based interventions, adaptive skills training, and client advocacy in community settings. The course promotes leadership, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the psychiatric technician's scope of practice to deliver holistic, equitable care. (Formerly PSYTCH 084)

Associate Degree Applicable

PSYTCH 082  13 Units  
Psychiatric Mental Health Disorders  

Lecture: 136 contact hours
Lab: 242 contact hours

Prerequisite: PSYTCH 080 and PSYTCH 081

Limitation on Enrollment: Registration is limited to students who have completed prerequisites and have been accepted into the Psychiatric Technology program.

This course prepares students at the advanced beginner level to deliver safe, patient-centered care to adults with psychiatric mental health disorders across a variety of healthcare settings. Emphasizing the integration of clinical knowledge, technical skills, and professional behavior, students will expand their ability to manage complex patient needs while demonstrating leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration within the psychiatric technician scope of practice. The course supports the transition from basic to more advanced psychiatric technician functions, reinforcing confidence and competence in psychiatric mental health care delivery. (Formerly PSYTCH 086)

Associate Degree Applicable

PSYTCH 600  Noncredit  
Psychiatric Technician Skills Lab  

Lab: 72 contact hours

Limitation on Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in at least one other Psychiatric Technology course at San Bernardino Valley College or a recent graduate of the Psychiatric Technician program.

This noncredit class offers inclusive support to students by assisting them in understanding the course-specific content within the Psychiatric Technology program. The class is designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs, with activities such as dosage calculation practice, demonstrations, and practice of essential psych tech skills and procedures. These activities help students develop competencies in various areas, including physical assessment, isolation techniques, oxygenation, wound care, urinary catheterization, medication administration, and other specialized medical and surgical skills. Instructional services are tailored to meet the needs of all students and may include supervised individual or group tutorials, computer-assisted instruction, and testing. Enrollment in this class is open to all students currently enrolled in the SBVC Psychiatric Technology program, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities for all participants.
PSYTCH 601  Noncredit  
Psychiatric Technician Licensure Exam Preparation  

Lecture: 18 contact hours

This noncredit course prepares students that have completed or are nearing completion of the psychiatric technology program for the state administered licensing examination for psychiatric technicians. This course is also recommended for students who desire refresher training. Topics include, but are not limited to, nursing science – theory and techniques, basic nursing, developmental disabilities, medications, psychiatric mental health nursing. Also included are some basic test-taking techniques to increase proficiency on the state exam.