This certificate prepares students to become Psychiatric Technicians who deliver high-quality, compassionate, and culturally responsive care while supporting patients in achieving optimal wellness. Graduates are prepared to take the California Psychiatric Technician licensing examination. The program is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Students must complete prerequisites, required coursework, and a formal application process. Training includes campus instruction and supervised experiences in diverse community settings. Enrollment requires a background check and health clearance. Licensure may be denied based on convictions or actions related to practice.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education (GE) Requirements: | ||
| Biology - Select one 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 | |
This is a Gainful Employment program.
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.
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.
- Apply safe and timely medication administration practices, including preparation and delivery of injections.
- Calculate pharmacological dosages.
- Apply and interpret therapeutic communication techniques during patient interactions, demonstrating respect for diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and communication needs.
- Develop and discuss case studies/care plans to prioritize patient care.