Course Descriptions

Psychiatric Technician Training Program Orientation
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

Anatomy for Nurses
PT 050 will present an overview of basic human anatomy and physiology necessary to provide psychiatric technician students with the foundational understanding of the structure and function of healthy human body systems and changes associated with aging.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture

Advisory(s):

HS 005 and ENG 051A

Fundamentals of Nursing
PT 051 will present basic nursing care skills and the role and responsibilities of the professional nurse/psychiatric technician. Students will learn entry-level patient care skills including the application of critical thinking and the nursing process.

Class Hours:

90 Lecture

Prerequisite(s):

VNPT 090, HS 080, or PT 050

Prerequisite(s):

HS 088 or HS 005

Corequisite(s):

PT 051L

Fundamentals of Nursing Clinic
PT 051L will present basic nursing care skills and the role and responsibilities of the professional nurse/psychiatric technician. Students will attend course in both skills laboratory and community patient care environments including skilled nursing facilities. Students will be required to travel to community sites.

Class Hours:

162 Laboratory

Corequisite(s):

PT 051

Medical Surgical Nursing
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

Corequisite(s):

PT 052L

Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical
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

Life Span for Nurses
PT 060 will present an overview of basic human development from gestation though adult necessary to provide psychiatric technician students with the foundational understanding of growth and development during the human life span.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
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 and PT 060

Corequisite(s):

PT 061L

Introduction to Developmental Disabilities Clinical
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

Developmental Disabilities
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

Corequisite(s):

PT 062L

Developmental Disabilities Nursing Clinical
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

Psychology for Nurses
PT 070 will present an overview of human psychology and the many approaches psychologists take in understanding human behavior.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture

Introduction to Mental Disorders
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 and PT 070

Corequisite(s):

PT 071L

Introduction to Mental Disorders Clinical
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 related 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

Mental Disorders
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

Corequisite(s):

PT 072L

Mental Disorders Clinical
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

Pharmacology 1
PT 081 is an overview of basic pharmacological principles, terminology, legal, and safety aspects of medication administration as it pertains to the role of the psychiatric technician. This course will help students understand drug classifications, effects, and client teaching principles with emphasis on anti-infective, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and diabetes medications.

Class Hours:

18 Lecture

Prerequisite(s):

ENG 051A

Prerequisite(s):

VNPT 090

Advisory(s):

HS 005

Pharmacology 2
PT 082 is a continuation of basic pharmacological principals, terminology, legal and safety aspects of medication administration as it pertains to the role of the psychiatric technician. This course will help students understand drug classifications, effects, and client teaching principals with emphasis on: central nervous system drugs, musculoskeletal drugs, gastrointestinal drugs, endocrine drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-anemics, reproductive medications, immunizing agents and antiseptic/disinfectants.

Class Hours:

18 Lecture

Prerequisite(s):

PT 081

Pharmacology 3
PT 083 is a continuation of basic pharmacological principals, terminology, and legal and safety aspects of medication administration as it pertains to the role of psychiatric technician. This course will help students understand drug classifications, effects, and client teaching principals with emphasis on: autonomic system medications, antipsychotics, antidepressants, opioids, sedative-hypnotics, anesthetics, anxiolytics and the principles of drug dependence and addiction.

Class Hours:

18 Lecture

Prerequisite(s):

PT 082