PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

The Psychiatric Technician Program prepares graduates to take the Psychiatric Technician state licensure exam leading to licensure as a California Psychiatric Technician.

Students interested in applying to the Psychiatric Technician Program are strongly urged to attend a program information meeting at the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero. Additional information is available: contact the Psychiatric Technician Program Office at the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero at (805) 468-3175, email ashptprogram@ash.dsh.ca.gov), or refer to the Nursing and Allied Health Division https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/divisions/nah/index.html webpage.

All persons who meet Cuesta College’s admission requirements, additional Psychiatric Technician Program admission criteria, and submit a Psychiatric Technician Program application are eligible for admission into the program.

Eligible applicants are admitted into the Psychiatric Technician Program by random selection from a pool of qualified applicants. The year-long program starts three times a year.

Entrance requirements and deadlines are subject to change.

The following are current requirements for consideration for admission to the Psychiatric Technician Program.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. 18 years of age with a valid government-issued Driver’s License and Social Security card.
2. Satisfy one of the following:

• High school graduate.
• Completion of Equivalency Examination or G.E.D.
• College Degree

3. Once an applicant has been notified that they are being processed for a class, candidate must obtain a Cuesta College Student ID number, clear a health screen/physical, a drug screen and two sets of fingerprints.
4. Enrolled students must successfully complete PSYT 110, a three-week New Employee Orientation at the Department of State Hospitals-Atascadero.

The Psychiatric Technician Certificate of Achievement Program (PSYT) prepares students to utilize the nursing process in the provision of care and treatment to individuals with mental and/or intellectual impairment under the supervision of a physician, psychologist, and/or registered nurse. Psychiatric Technicians participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, assist patients with activities of daily living, and administer medications and treatments. Upon completion of the program students are eligible to take the Psychiatric Technician state licensure exam leading to licensure as a California Psychiatric Technician. The Certificate of Achievement program is designed for students who desire specific training to meet an immediate occupational or personal goal, or for promotion or lateral transfer within their existing field of employment. To qualify for a Certificate of Achievement, a student must 1) complete all courses required for the Certificate with an overall grade point average of 2.0, 2) earn at least 12 units in residency at Cuesta, and 3) submit a Certificate Application to Admissions and Records.

Learning Outcome(s):

1. Implement procedures based on critical thinking and learned knowledge regarding the care, treatment and rehabilitation of the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled person.
2. Demonstrate skills and ability to practice safely within the legal, ethical and privacy issues through accurate documentation.
3. Demonstrate the ability to guide the client toward an optimal therapeutic regime by implementing appropriate treatment plans, medications and delivery of safe patient care.