Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric Technician AS Degree

The Coalinga College Psychiatric Technician Program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and is esteemed as an accredited program by the California Board of Licensed Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. This intensive Career Technical  Education (CTE) Program is structured into three core areas: nursing science, developmental/intellectual disorders, and psychiatric nursing.  

Throughout the program, participants engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical learning with hands-on experiences. They gain valuable skills in applying the nursing process to provide comprehensive care for clients with a range of specialized needs, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect for diversity.

In addition to mastering clinical skills, participants are introduced to the highest standards of professionalism and safety in psychiatric care. They are encouraged to grow as client advocates and sponsors, promoting a culture of empathy and understanding within healthcare settings.

Upon successful completion of the Psychiatric Technician Training Program, students earn an associates of science, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and readiness for the licensure exam administered by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. This program not only prepares students for the challenges of the healthcare field but also instills in them the values of inclusivity, compassion, and dedication to their profession.

This is an intensive and high-unit certificate/degree program requiring 2 or more years to complete.   Classes will meet at the college, local hospitals, mental health facilities, Coalinga State Hospital, Porterville Developmental Center, and other approved facilities to accommodate the clinical components of instruction.  The knowledge and skills within the program include the applications of safety in varied care settings, industry-specific critical thinking and problem-solving skills,  evidence-based practice, and individualized holistic approaches to care.  

Psychiatric Technicians are in high demand throughout California, with employment opportunities in psychiatric and substance abuse settings, residential care facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and general medical and surgical hospitals.

Program Prerequisite Skills and/or Knowledge

1.  Be at least 18 years of age.
2.  Show evidence of high school graduation or equivalent (GED or CHSPE).
3.  Submit a complete and current application to the Coalinga College Psychiatric Technician Training Program.
4.  Complete and pass a physical, background check, and drug screen.
5.  Maintain prescribed CPR certification
6. In addition to the following prerequisite courses, applicants are strongly advised to possess an active California certification as a nursing assistant (CNA)

Program Prerequisites, Corequisite or Advisory Courses

1.  HS 005 -Medical Terminology - 3 units 
2.  BIO 032 -Human Anatomy - 4 units
3.  PHARM 003 - Introduction to Pharmacology - 3 units
4.  PSYC C1000- Introduction to Psychology - 3 units

Program student learning outcomes:

1.  Students will apply principals of safety in various healthcare settings.
2. Students will utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills in industry specific areas.
3. Students will apply principals of caring to individualized populations.
4. Students will apply evidence-based care.
5. Students will model professional behaviors in the healthcare setting. 

Students must fulfill the following requirements to qualify for an Associate Degree:

• • Complete the Local General Education or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements,
  • Complete a minimum of 18 additional units from the major list below,
  • Complete electives to reach a total of 60-degree applicable units,
  • Earn a grade of C or better in each major course,
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.00, and
  • Complete the English and math proficiency requirements with a C or better

For Gainful Employment information please visit:
https://westhillscollege.com/coalinga/degrees-and-certificates/gainful-employment/

Career and employment information may be obtained through:

• O*Net, www.onetonline.org 
• Labor Market, California Employment Development Department, www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov 

Recommended Course Sequence: Psychiatric Technician AS Degree

Students planning to transfer to a four-year university are cautioned that this degree may not meet all of the lower division requirements for transfer into a particular major.  Students should consult with a counselor for specific information and develop an educational plan to ensure that this degree would be the most beneficial prior to transferring to the University of their Choice.  Students can also access information on www.assist.org.