How to Become a Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric technicians are well trained and highly sought professionals in the field of mental health. They are often the gears behind the doctor and help patients in viable ways. Follow these few steps to help you become a psychiatric technician.

Instructions

1. Research training programs in your area that have a psychiatric technician emphasis. Calculate the time and costs to pursuing the program that suits you best.

2. Plan to spend at least 1 to 1.5 years training for psychiatric technician; the AAPT requires 480 college hours for a level 2 technician and 960 for level 3. Budget your time wisely and finish the program as efficiently and quickly as possible.

3. Look at the information on certification for becoming a certified psychiatric technician on the official website. Find a job as an orderly or secretary to help you with experience on your resume in the psychiatric field.

4. Graduate the psychiatric technician program that you have attended. Obtain your certificate of completion or degree and keep up to date records of your course work and certifications.

5. Sign up to take the official certification test offered by the AAPT. Decide what level of technician you want to be certified as (level 1 to level 4). Higher levels require subsequent testing beyond the open book test required of level 1.

6. Search for a job either in the institution you have been interning or at another institution. Try to boast your specialized skills in the field such as medical record acquisition or treatment plan implementation.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that working in a psychiatric setting can be emotional and intense at times. If you don't prefer this kind of activity, you might look elsewhere for a career.

• Keep up to date on medications and treatment plans throughout your career, as this knowledge will aid in your demand as a technician and be most beneficial to your clients.

• Plan to take higher level AAPT tests as you are able to. It will increase your earning potential and ability to land a more promising career.

• Technicians must be able to deal with a variety of illness and individuals and maintain composure and professionalism with them. Do not take a position if you are frightened of mental illness or psychosis.

Resources

• Read a job profile on being a psychiatic technician.
• Find a college that specializes in psychiatric training.
• Visit the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians website.