What are Psychiatric Technicians
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.
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Common Job Titles
Psychology Associate
Behavior Technician
Residential Aide
Entry Level Psychology Associate
Entry Level Support Team Member (STM)
Mental Health Associate
Patient Care Specialist
Milieu Therapist
Mental Health Assistant
Psychiatric Technician (PT)
Behavioral Health Technician
Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT)
Personality & Work Styles
Empathy
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Cooperation
Self-Control
Sincerity
Social Orientation
Attention to Detail
Optimism
Integrity
Work Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Getting Information
Documenting/Recording Information
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Work Environment
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Contact With Others
Telephone Conversations
Physical Proximity
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
Conflict Situations
E-Mail
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Skills You Will Receive
Active Listening
Monitoring
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Writing
Active Learning
Learning Strategies
Mathematics
Science
Other Attributes Important To Know
Oral Comprehension
Written Comprehension
Oral Expression
Written Expression
Fluency of Ideas
Originality
Problem Sensitivity
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Related Careers
Psychiatric Aides
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapy Aides
Physical Therapist Aides
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Recreational Therapists
Paramedics
Home Health Aides
Technology/Tools Used
Medical software
Inventory management software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
Word processing software
Work Values
Relationships
Support
Independence
Working Conditions
Achievement
Recognition
Knowledge You Will Receive
Administration and Management
Administrative
Economics and Accounting
Sales and Marketing
Customer and Personal Service
Personnel and Human Resources
Production and Processing
Food Production
Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Education Requirements
Postsecondary nondegree award
Job Zone 3
Tasks Associated with This Career
Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.
Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.
Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.
Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.
Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.
Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.