Psychiatric Technician - Certificate of Achievement
The licensed psychiatric technician is a member of the health care team and works under the direction of a psychiatrist, registered nurse or other mental health personnel. Students who desire to earn an Associate in Science in Psychiatric Technician must complete the college graduation requirements. Classroom theory consists of 10 to 12 hours per week.
Approximately 16 hours per week are spent in clinical experiences and three hours per week are spent in clinical simulation. Students must achieve a score of 75% or higher in all courses and a C or better in all other courses in the program. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for the California State Psychiatric Technician Licensing examination.
Enrollment is limited. Students may obtain information from the Mission College website, under the Nursing/ Health Occupations link, including information session dates, application process, required courses, and recommended courses prior to entry into the program. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with a counselor for additional information and clarification. There is no recency requirement for required courses; however, you are held strictly accountable for knowledge of their content. It is highly recommend that you refresh your knowledge of these subjects if you took them more than five years ago.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Students will use the language of the profession of nursing to communicate appropriately using verbal, written and technological methods.
- Students will critically analyze relevant information in the utilization of the nursing process, applying principles of evidence-based practice as needed.
- Students will demonstrate personal and professional growth.
- Students will successfully complete all requirements for eligibility to apply for the PT licensure and pass the national examination.
To earn this certificate, students must complete the minimum required courses with a grade of C (or P) or better.
Required Prerequisite Coursework and Certification
Students must provide proof of current California Nursing Assistant certification and BLS-CPR certification. Students must have completed ENG 908 or the equivalent, or be eligible for ENG 001A or 001AX, prior to enrolling in the program.
Required Core Curriculum Courses:
Semester 1
| Code | Class | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HOC 022 | Patient Nursing Care Fundamentals (1.5 Lecture) | 1.5 |
| HOC 023A | Beg. Medical-Surgical Nursing Theory (2.5 Lecture) | 2.5 |
| HOC 023B | Beg. Cognitive Disabilities - Mental Health Theory (1.0 Lecture) | 1.0 |
| HOC 023C | Beg. Cognitive Disabilities - - Developmental Disability Theory (1.0 Lecture) | 1.0 |
| HOC 024 | Pharmacology A (1.0 Lecture) | 1.0 |
| HOC 025B | Fundamentals Skills/Simulation Lab (1.0 Lab) | 1.0 |
| HOC 026B | Beg. Clinical Practicum (5.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| HOC 027 | Nursing Process and Communication (2.0 Lecture) | 2.0 |
| PSY 012 | Human Growth and Development (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
Semester II
| Code | Class | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HOC 033A | Int. Medical/Surgical Nursing Theory (2.0 Lecture) | 2.0 |
| HOC 033C | Int. Cognitive Disabilities - Mental Health Theory (2.5 Lecture) | 2.5 |
| HOC 033D | Int. Cognitive Disabilities - Devel. Disability Theory (2.5 Lecture) | 2.5 |
| HOC 034 | Pharmacology B (1.0 Lecture) | 1.0 |
| HOC 035B | Int. Skills/Simulation Lab (1.0 Lab) | 1.0 |
| HOC 036B | Int. Clinical Practicum (5.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| PSY 001 | General Psychology (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
Semester III
| Code | Class | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HOC 043A | Adv. Medical/Surgical Theory (2.0 Lecture) | 2.0 |
| HOC 043C | Adv. Cognitive Disabilities - Mental Health Theory (2.5 Lecture) | 2.5 |
| HOC 043D | Adv Cognitive Disab - Developmental Disab. Theory (2.5 Lecture) | 2.5 |
| HOC 044 | Pharmacology C (1.0 Lecture) | 1.0 |
| HOC 045B | Advanced Skills/Simulation Lab (1.0 Lab) | 1.0 |
| HOC 046B | Advanced Clinical Practicum (5.0 Lab) | 5.0 |
| HOC 047 | Leadership and Professional Practice (1.5 Lecture) | 1.5 |
| NTR 015 | Human Nutrition (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
| NTR 040 | Nutrition and Disease (3.0 Lecture) | 3.0 |
*PSY 012, PSY 001, NTR 015 and NTR 040 can be taken prior to being admitted to the program.
Units Required
| Units | |
|---|---|
| Total Required Units | 53.5 |
Career/Transfer Opportunities:
The licensed psychiatric technician is a member of the professional health services team who works with individuals who are mentally ill and/or developmentally disabled under the direction of a Psychiatrist, Registered Nurse or other mental health personnel. Currently, skilled licensed psychiatric technicians are in high demand both locally and statewide. Career opportunities include the following: training developmentally disabled individuals in the community or developmental centers and providing care for mentally ill people in the prison health system, private and municipal acute mental health facilities.