This degree prepares students to become Psychiatric Technicians who deliver high-quality, compassionate, and culturally responsive care while supporting patients in achieving optimal wellness. The curriculum emphasizes respect for diverse backgrounds, inclusive practices, and equitable treatment in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible to take the state licensing examination. The program is accredited by the California State Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. Students are admitted in Fall and Spring and must complete prerequisites, required coursework, and a formal application process designed to support broad access and opportunity. Enrollment requires a Livescan background check and health clearance. California law may deny licensure based on certain convictions or legal actions related to practice.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education (GE) Requirements: | ||
| Biology - Select on course sequence (4-8 units): | ||
| 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 |
| English: | ||
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| or ENGL C1000H | Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | |
| Statistics: | ||
| PSYC 105 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| or STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| or STAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics - Honors | |
| or ECON 208 | Business and Economic Statistics | |
| Psychology: | ||
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| or PSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors | |
| Required Courses: | ||
| PSYTCH 080 | Psychiatric Technology: Introduction to Nursing Science | 19.5 |
| PSYTCH 081 | Developmental Disabilities | 19.5 |
| PSYTCH 082 | Psychiatric Mental Health Disorders | 13 |
| Total Units | 67-71 | |
To earn an SBVC Associate Degree students must complete one of the following General Education (GE) patterns: