How to Become a Mental Health Tech
A job as a mental health technician is a fulfilling and service-oriented occupation. It offers a place to help others. If you are a person who likes people, wants to help those suffering from a mental, emotional or a developmental disorder, and likes the structure of being supervised, then this job is for you. The 2009 median salary for the United States was $35,393, according to Abbott, Langer Association Surveys. Employers are usually public or private hospitals.
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Instructions
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Requirements
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Obtain a high school diploma. This is the minimum educational requirement toward your goal of becoming a mental health tech. Take courses such as sociology, psychology, biology and anatomy. These will help you in your job. Also, talk with your high school guidance counselor about your career choice. He may know of a program at a vocational high school in your school district. Places in some states will hire you with just a high school diploma.
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Train on the job. Some states will allow you to complete on the job training in order to work as a mental health tech. The company that hires you will often have classrooms for you to take training in a school-like setting. The company then will have you work supervised on the floor. Experience, such as volunteering in the mental health field, is often needed before getting the job.
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Complete a certificate program. Many states offer a certificate program to become a mental health technician. Such programs have coursework as well as practice hours where you work directly with patients. A nursing certificate with coursework and practice in psychology may also be accepted for the job. The certificate, more than the high school diploma, is preferred by employers
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Earn an associate degree. Some states require an associate degree in mental health technician or a related field. This is the most preferred educational requirement by employers. Some hospitals or clinics give tuition money for you to complete this degree. In the associate program you will be required to have direct patient practice. You will also need to complete "general education" requirements, such as science, math, English, foreign language, art and physical education.
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Volunteer to take the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) test. Very few states require this exam. In the states that don't require it, you'll become more competitive in the job market. It will place a "stamp of approval" on your certification.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with you state's department of education to see requirements for your area.
References
- Photo Credit Health image by Greg Carpenter from Fotolia.com
