Overview
In this career, your responsibilities may include:
- Providing care for individuals living with mental illness or developmental disabilities
- Observing and recording patient health and behavior, including vital signs
- Administering medications according to prescribed instructions
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Leading therapeutic and leisure activities for patients
- Working with patients who have a wide range of abilities and needs
Job Titles
In your job search, you may find listings for this career under different titles. You can find some examples of these, as well as more information about this career, at CareerOneStop.
Academic Requirements
Typically requires a post-secondary certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree can make you eligible for careers with greater responsibility and higher salaries in this career pathway, if you do not already have the U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. Your associate degree might give you advanced standing or transfer credit towards a bachelor’s degree, reducing the time it would take you to graduate.
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Certification
Certification is not required, but could make employers more likely to hire you or offer you a higher salary.
You may be eligible for Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician (NCPT) certification from the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, offered at four different levels of education and work experience.
Some employers may require psychiatric technicians that hold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS) certification.
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Licensure
Licensure is required in some states to work as a Psychiatric or Mental Health Technician.
Contact us with any questions you might have.