PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN
Certificate of Achievement
Program Details
The Psychiatric Technician Certificate of Achievement 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 Certificate of Achievement program is designed for students who desire specific training to meet an immedicate 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.
PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?
Featured Careers (2)
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Psychiatric Technicians | Some college, Bachelor's degree | Rising | 42,590 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Aides | Some college, High school diploma/GED | Declining | 41,590 |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Demonstrate skills and ability to practice safely within the legal, ethical and privacy issues through accurate documentation.
- Demonstrate the ability to guide the client toward an optimal therapeutic regime by implementing appropriate treatment plans, medications and delivery of safe patient care.
- 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.