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Psychiatric Technician Program


This program is available in the following campuses:

  • Concord Campus
    Next Start Date is September 27, 2010 . Prerequisite classes start date is August 9, 2010 . Enrollment is open now. Class size is limited.

Application package

To download the application package for Psychiatric Technician Program please CLICK HERE.

Psychiatric Technician Video

Program Description

Psychiatric Technicians (PTs) provide care for mentally disordered or developmentally disabled clients under the supervision of the director of the services. The director may be a physician, psychologist, rehabilitation therapist, social worker, registered nurse, or other professional personnel. The Psychiatric Technician utilizes scientific and technical expertise, and manual skills to provide care and training for clients with mental disorders and developmental disabilities. The program includes didactic and laboratory training, as well as an internship that correlates with the theoretical education.

As a result of the preparation, students will be able to work as a Psychiatric Technician in hospitals or medical clinics.

Career Highlights

Psychiatric Technician / Medical Technical Assistant (Psychiatric)

An MTA (P) is a medical professional who is a Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, or Psychiatric Technician. MTA (P) is also a peace officer with the Department of Mental Health (DMH).

The MTA (P) takes a vital part in psychiatric care of the patients. The MTA (P) also plays an active role among other members of the treatment team in providing medical care to those who need. Being an MTA (P) offers personal growth and a feeling of accomplishment.

PT/MTA (P) plays a vital role in the mental health services medical team that is always in demand. The roles of an MTA are those that combine the duties and responsibilities of Correctional Officer and Psychiatric Technician.  The duties are not limited to:

 ·        Assisting medical staff in practical nursing procedures

·         Administering medications and monitoring use and effects

·         Preparing required documentation

·         Monitoring inmates/patients in group sessions

·         Establishing therapeutic relationships with patients

·         Collaborating with the interdisciplinary teams

·         Observing

·         Documenting

·         Supervising individual and group activities

·         Think and act quickly in different situations

·         Responding to emergency situations and more…

Currently there is a huge shortage for trained MTA (P) in CA and the demand is growing.  Furthermore, The California Prison Health Care is planning to build seven correctional health care facilities in northern and Southern CA beginning in March 2011 with the final facilities completion planned July 2013. So expect more openings in these facilities. Another title for MTA (P) is PT (Psychiatric Technician) at our Academy.

As multi-talented mental health professionals with a broad range of skills and proficiency PTs / MTAs can be placed in many positions in ranging from Peace Officer to Counselor, Parole and Management there are many opportunities.

The unique nature of PT places PTs/MTA (P)s in the roles of both nursing care and behavioral care as key players in many aspects of CA’s system of treatment of those with physical / intellectual disabilities, mental illness and/or emotional distress. From PT entry level to Senior PT, from an MTA (P) entry level you can follow the typical pattern of becoming a Senior MTA (P), Program Assistant, Program Director, Executive Director… Visit the California Department of Mental Health to find out more classifications and variations.

PTs are employed at State Hospitals, Day Treatment Centers, Developmental Centers, Correctional Facilities, Psychiatric Hospitals & Clinics, Psychiatric Technician Programs, Geropsychiatric Centers, Residential Care Facilities, Vocational Training Centers.

Mission Statement

The mission of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is to offer quality medical programs that integrate professional skills, career-focused education and hands-on practical experience, empowering students to develop and achieve their personal and career potentials.

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts believes that education should promote the development of positive self-esteem. Therefore, the institution provides services that support the efforts of students to succeed academically, vocationally and personally. The Academy provides a sophisticated level of training to individuals who desire a professional career in the medical field. This is accomplished through educational programs utilizing advanced training equipment, didactic lectures and hands-on experience provided by highly trained instructors, physicians and technologists.

Program Goals and Objectives

1. Incorporate principles from psychiatric, nursing, behavioral, and physical sciences in the provision of competent care to clients of different ages with different bio-psychosocial needs.  

2. Apply knowledge of specific disease conditions in the prevention, treatment, medical, and rehabilitation of all clients.  

3. Differentiate the role of the psychiatric technician within the medical team.  

4. Adhere to professional standards incorporating legal and ethical responsibilities of the psychiatric technician.  

5. Utilize critical thinking in assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of client care.

6. Organize, prioritize and delegate care for a group of clients communicating effectively with members of the medical team.

Admission Requirements / Prerequisites

1. Applicant must submit a completed application. It is recommended that interested applicants fill out the application with the admissions advisor.

2. Applicant must have graduated from high school, or earned a GED and be at least 18 years of age.

3. Applicant must pay all applicable fees, as per the current published fee schedule prior to the issuance of an enrollment contract or make other payment arrangements acceptable to the school.

4. Applicant must complete a Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) with a score of at least 19.

5. Completion of the prerequisite course “Essential Medical Bioscience” must be completed before starting the program.  Applicants with previous medical experience may request to challenge the course test to be accepted into the program without taking the prerequisite course.

6. If enrollment openings are fewer than applicants that meet the admission requirements applicants will be asked to pass an interview with the nursing program director or program coordinator.

Program Schedule

Length: 14 months (1530 Hours)

Internship/ Clinical: 960+ hours in affiliated medical facilities.

Didactic/ Lab sessions schedule: Morning: 9AM - 2PM; Evening: 5PM-10PM

Clinical sessions schedule: Morning: 7AM - 3PM; Day: 9AM-5PM; Evening: 4PM - 11PM

The didactic training correlates with the lab and clinical education.

Program Fees

Registration Fees:  $75.00 (non-refundable)
RSDRF: $100.00 (refundable deposit)
STRF:  $47.50
Textbooks and Materials: $900.00
Tuition: $17,595.00
Total Program Cost: $18,717.50

Prerequisite Fee (Additional, if applicable): $1,600.00
 
# SLM Financial private student loans are available now for those who qualify.
# For details please call 650-685-6616 (San Mateo Campus) or (925) 687-9555 (Concord Campus).

State Certification

Disclaimer Form
To all Psychiatric Technician students: The law DOES require Psychiatric Technicians to be BVNPT certified to work. To get the Psychiatric Technician license it′s required to pass a licensing examination after completing a State-approved Psychiatric Technician program. Students will be eligible to take the licensure examination to become certified after completion of the program since Psychiatric Technician program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is approved by BVNPT.

There is no national licensure examination for PTs. The BVNPT Board develops and administers a year-round computer-administered examination to approximately 1,000 applicants annually at 24 test centers. When a PT applicant is approved, a Notice of Eligibility and Candidate Handbook is mailed. The applicant is responsible for calling the toll-free number to schedule an appointment to test.

Earning

Typical salary range of a Licensed Psychiatric Technicians:

According to Indeed.com

The annual range is $40,000 to $70,000

Good news are that due to high demand of skilled and licensed MTA(P)/PTs the salary range is increasing.

According to Department of Mental Health

The earning is up to $6,114 per month

According to BVNPT.CA.GOV

$15 - $27 Per Hour;   $30,720 - $51,840 Per Year

Benefits:

Health, Dental, and Vision are among most common benefits

In many cases: vacation and holiday credits, special education and physical fitness incentive pay

When permanently appointed as an MTA (P) in Department of Mental Health at Salinas as an example individuals are enrolled in the CALPERS (California Public Employees Retirement System) as well as will become a member of the State Peace Officer/Firefighter retirement category.

Some facilities may even offer monetary sign up bonus.

Job Outlook

There is a shortage of trained and experienced psych techs in California, with constant demand in the public sector. Most jobs are concentrated near state hospitals, but there are many other jobs available within the prison systems, private mental health care facilities and also hospitals are recognizing the use of Psychiatric Technicians on mental health units.
Usually Licensed Psychiatric Technicians are employed by:
* State Hospitals
* Day Treatment Centers
* Developmental Centers
* Correctional Facilities
* Psychiatric Hospitals & Clinics
* Psychiatric Technician Programs
* Geropsychiatric Centers
* Residential Care Facilities
* Vocational Training Centers

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