Life As a Psychiatric Technician
Example of Psychiatric Technician Job Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
Daily Life Of a Psychiatric Technician
- Escort patients to medical appointments.
- Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
- Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.
- Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
- Train or instruct new employees on procedures to follow with psychiatric patients.
- Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
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What Every Psychiatric Technician Should Know
Psychiatric Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Psychiatric Technician
- Mental Health Specialist
- Direct Care Worker (DCW)
- Mental Health Worker
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT)
Psychiatric Technician Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 66,100 jobs in the United States for Psychiatric Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,900 new jobs for Psychiatric Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,600 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Psychiatric Technician are Washington, Arizona, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Illinois, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Psychiatric Technician Make?
The typical yearly salary for Psychiatric Technicians is somewhere between $22,800 and $64,430.
Psychiatric Technicians who work in California, Connecticut, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Psychiatric Technicians make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $27,390 |
| Alaska | $38,940 |
| Arizona | $34,210 |
| Arkansas | $28,570 |
| California | $64,500 |
| Colorado | $37,980 |
| Connecticut | $54,130 |
| Delaware | $32,970 |
| District of Columbia | $50,490 |
| Florida | $29,680 |
| Georgia | $30,330 |
| Hawaii | $38,230 |
| Idaho | $29,880 |
| Illinois | $44,400 |
| Indiana | $30,610 |
| Iowa | $31,860 |
| Kansas | $28,060 |
| Kentucky | $29,680 |
| Louisiana | $27,330 |
| Maine | $28,830 |
| Maryland | $35,800 |
| Massachusetts | $45,220 |
| Michigan | $40,250 |
| Minnesota | $38,800 |
| Mississippi | $29,290 |
| Missouri | $31,050 |
| Montana | $27,280 |
| Nebraska | $30,220 |
| Nevada | $33,090 |
| New Jersey | $45,870 |
| New Mexico | $28,790 |
| New York | $44,100 |
| North Carolina | $33,460 |
| North Dakota | $31,590 |
| Ohio | $34,990 |
| Oklahoma | $26,510 |
| Oregon | $47,710 |
| Pennsylvania | $31,340 |
| Rhode Island | $39,380 |
| South Carolina | $34,980 |
| Tennessee | $26,730 |
| Texas | $32,500 |
| Utah | $27,660 |
| Vermont | $40,000 |
| Virginia | $30,650 |
| Washington | $40,990 |
| West Virginia | $23,440 |
| Wisconsin | $33,990 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Psychiatric Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Psychiatric Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Allscripts Sunrise Clinical Manager
- ICANotes
- Cerner ProFile
- Epic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical System
- ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record
- MEDITECH Behavioral Health Clinicals
- Netsmart Technologies Avatar Clinical Workstation CWS
How do I Become a Psychiatric Technician?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Psychiatric Technician?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychiatric Technician?
Who Employs Psychiatric Technicians?
Below are examples of industries where Psychiatric Technicians work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Psychiatric Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Psychiatric Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Katie Spencer via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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