Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric Technician AS Degree

The West Hills Community College Psychiatric Technician Program is an approved program by the California Board of Licensed Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. This accelerated program is divided into three main content areas, nursing science, developmental disorders, and psychiatric nursing. Program participants will receive didactic and hands-on experiences to apply the nursing process in the planning and implementation of care for clients with a variety of special needs. Participants will be introduced to the professional psychiatric technician standards related to professionalism and safety and grow in the role of client advocate and sponsor. The Psychiatric Technician Training Program will prepare the student in a variety of health care settings. Upon completion of the Psychiatric Technician Training Program, students will receive a certificate or associate degree and qualify to take the licensure exam from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

This is an intensive certificate/degree program. 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 aspects of instruction.

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, CSU General Education (CSUGE) or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) 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

Program Prerequisites, Corequisite or Advisory Courses

For Consideration of eligibility to the Psychiatric Technician Training Program, applicant must meet current admission criteria and all of the following:

• HS 080 – Introduction to Medical Professionals
• HS 088 – Medical Terminology for Health Careers
• VNPT 090 – Math for Medical Professionals

Program Prerequisite Skills and/or Knowledge

• Show proof of a current American Heart Association, Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers Certificate.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Show evidence of high school graduation or equivalent (GED or CHSPE).
• Submit a complete application to West Hills College.
• Submit a complete and current application to the West hills College Psychiatric Technician Training Program.
• Be able to read, write and communicate at college level.
• Complete and pass a physical, background check and drug screen.
• In addition to the prerequisites, applicants are strongly advised to possess an active California certification as a nursing assistant (CNA).

For Gainful Employment information please visit:
https://coalingacollege.edu/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 

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.