Course Descriptions

Psychiatric Technician - PT
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • PT-101
  • Psychiatric Tech Training Program Orient
  • Credit(s) 1.5

PT 101 will prepare the student for the West Hills College Psychiatric Technician Training Program. Students will receive a program handbook, orientation to policy and procedures, calendars, syllabi, travel expectations and required material.

Class Hours:
27 Lecture
  • PT-052
  • Medical Surgical Nursing
  • Credit(s) 4.5

PT 052 will present intermediate and advanced nursing care skills and the role and responsibilities of the professional nurse/psychiatric technician. Students will learn medical /surgical nursing skills using a body-systems approach.

Class Hours:
81 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
VNPT 051
Corequisite(s):
PT 052L
  • PT-052L
  • Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical
  • Credit(s) 3

PT 052L will allow the application of intermediate and advanced nursing care skills in developing the role and responsibilities of the professional nurse/psychiatric technician. Students will learn medical /surgical nursing skills using a body-systems approach, and provide hands-on patient care at community based clinical sites.

Class Hours:
162 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
PT 052
  • PT-061
  • Intro. to Developmental Disabilities
  • Credit(s) 5

PT 061 examines the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the framework of residential care and treatment facilities. Students will learn strategies and concepts that build upon basic nursing skills in the management and care of this special population.

Class Hours:
90 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
PT 052, PT 052L and VNPT 060
Corequisite(s):
PT 061L, and VNPT 082
  • PT-061L
  • Intro to Develop Disabilities Clinical
  • Credit(s) 3

PT 061L will provide students the opportunity to apply foundational principals in the care of clients with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Students will be required to travel to community sites and follow policy and procedures according to industry standards.

Class Hours:
162 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
PT 061
  • PT-062
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Credit(s) 4.5

PT 062 examines the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities originating from genetic and gestational factors. Students will also be presented with the history and use of applied behavior analysis and behavior modifications strategies.

Class Hours:
81 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
PT 061, and PT 061L
Corequisite(s):
PT 062L, and VNPT 082
  • PT-062L
  • Developmental Disab Nursing Clinical
  • Credit(s) 3

PT 062L will allow the application of nursing care skills in developing the role and responsibilities of the professional nurse/psychiatric technician. Students will develop nursing skills and behavior modification practices within the context of developmental and intellectual disabilities and provide hands-on patient care at community based clinical sites.

Class Hours:
162 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
PT 062
  • PT-071
  • Introduction to Mental Disorders
  • Credit(s) 5

PT 071 will introduce psychological and mental health concepts as they relate to the professional Psychiatric Technician. The causes, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders will be examined by providing practice in interpersonal skills, self-understanding, problem solving, communication, and the use of rehabilitation methods in providing patient care.

Class Hours:
90 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
PT 062, PT 062L, and VNPT 070
Corequisite(s):
PT 071L, and VNPT 083
  • PT-071L
  • Intro to Mental Disorders Clinical
  • Credit(s) 3

PT 071L will allow the introductory applications of hands-on patient care in the area of psychological and mental health to individuals at the forensic clinical sites relate to the Psychiatric Technician profession. The causes, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders will be examined by providing practice in interpersonal skills, self-understanding, problem solving, communication, and the use of rehabilitation methods in providing patient care. Students will be expected to travel to clinical sites.

Class Hours:
162 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
PT 071
  • PT-072
  • Mental Disorders
  • Credit(s) 4.5

PT 072 will be an in-depth study of psychological and mental health concepts as they relate to the professional psychiatric technician. The causes, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders will be examined by providing practice in interpersonal skills, self-understanding, problem solving, communication, and the use of rehabilitation methods in providing patient care.

Class Hours:
81 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
PT 071, PT 071L
Corequisite(s):
PT 072L, and VNPT 083
  • PT-072L
  • Mental Disorders Clinical
  • Credit(s) 3

PT 072L will allow the application of intermediate and advanced hands-on patient care of the psychological and mental health of individuals at the forensic clinical sites within the role and scope of psychiatric technician. The causes, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders will be examined by providing practice in interpersonal skills, self-understanding, problem solving, communication, and the use of rehabilitation methods in providing patient care. Students will be expected to travel to distance clinical sites.

Class Hours:
162 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
PT 072