This certificate is designed to prepare students for employment as a Psychiatric Technician, providing care and participating in the treatment of mentally and developmentally disabled clients. Learning activities are conducted on the college campus and a variety of community agencies.
The curriculum prepares students to take the California Psychiatric Technician license examination. The Psychiatric Technology program is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
Students must complete program prerequisites, apply and be accepted into the Psychiatric Technology program. To enroll in the program, students must pass a background check and meet health requirements. The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians may deny a license based on any conviction or action substantially related to Psychiatric Technician practice.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements: | ||
| Biology (4-8 units) - Complete BIOL 155 or BIOL 250 and BIOL 251 or BIOL 260 and BIOL 261 | ||
| BIOL 155 | Introductory Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 250 & BIOL 251 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 8 |
| BIOL 260 & BIOL 261 | Human Anatomy and Human Physiology | 8 |
| Psychology | ||
| PSYCH 100 | General Psychology | 3 |
| or PSYCH 100H | General Psychology - Honors | |
| Required Courses: | ||
| PSYTCH 084 | Introduction to Psychiatric Technology | 19 |
| PSYTCH 085 | Psychiatric Technology: Nursing Science | 12 |
| PSYTCH 086 | Introduction to Psychiatric Technology: Behavioral Science | 19 |
| Total Units | 57-61 | |
Students working for certificates must have a basic knowledge of arithmetic, reading and writing in order to learn and work in the occupations they select.
This is a Gainful Employment Program
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Use an online simulated Psychiatric Technology State Board Certification examination (BVNPT) to prepare for the BVNPT licensure exam.
- Safe and timely administration of medication, including injections.
- Calculate pharmacological dosages with 100% accuracy.
- Apply therapeutic communication when interacting with patients.
- Utilize case studies to make informed decisions about patient care.