PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN

The Psychiatric Technician Associate in Science Program (PSYT) prepares students to utilize the nursing process in the provision of care and treatment to individuals wih 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 Associate Degree program is designed to prepare students for transfer into upper division course work in a bachelor's degree program, or, to prepare students to enter teh workforce in a particular vocational field. To qualify for an Associate's Degree, a student must 1) complete each major-specific course required for the degree with at least a "C" grade or better, 2) complete all Cuesta College general education, graduation, and residency requirements, 3) achieve an overall grade point average of 2.0 for all courses attempted (major, general educaiton, elective), and 4) submit an Associates's Degree Application to Admissions and Records.