4 answers
priscilla
Student
Concord, North Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
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What's the best way to get a psychiatric tech job ?
What's the best way to get a psychiatric tech job? I've been going through indeed and applying to atrium, some apps. get as far as "under consideration/ interview pending" but then always end up getting turned down... I have all the certs I need, is there something I'm doing wrong?
It can be a motivation killer getting those turned down emails.
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4 answers
Alok Verma
Consultant
15
Answers
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Alok’s Answer
Getting a job as a psychiatric technician typically involves a combination of education, training, and job search strategies.
- Educational Requirements - Most psychiatric tech positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates with post-secondary education, such as an degree or certificate.
- To make yourself a more competitive candidate, consider gaining experience in the healthcare field. This can include volunteer work or internships in mental health facilities, hospitals, or clinics.
- Research the specific requirements in your state. Certification requirements can include passing an exam and completing a state-approved training program. Even if certification is not required, completing a relevant training program can enhance your qualifications.
- Prepare Your Resume - Create a well-structured resume that highlights your relevant education, training, and any healthcare or mental health experience.
Networking through various channels also helps.
- Educational Requirements - Most psychiatric tech positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer candidates with post-secondary education, such as an degree or certificate.
- To make yourself a more competitive candidate, consider gaining experience in the healthcare field. This can include volunteer work or internships in mental health facilities, hospitals, or clinics.
- Research the specific requirements in your state. Certification requirements can include passing an exam and completing a state-approved training program. Even if certification is not required, completing a relevant training program can enhance your qualifications.
- Prepare Your Resume - Create a well-structured resume that highlights your relevant education, training, and any healthcare or mental health experience.
Networking through various channels also helps.
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hi Priscilla! Great career and question! Check out bls.gov for future questions concerning occupational outlook.
How to Become a Psychiatric Technician or Aide
About this section
Psychiatric technicians and aides
Psychiatric technicians observe patients’ behavior and listen to their concerns.
To enter the occupation, psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate, and aides need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states require technicians to be licensed. Both technicians and aides get on-the-job training.
Education
Psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate for psychiatric technicians, behavioral health technicians, or similar titles. Programs for these certificates or associate’s degrees, available at community colleges and technical schools, train students in basic nursing skills. They include courses in psychology, anatomy, and pharmacology and also may include supervised clinical work experience. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree.
Psychiatric aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training
Psychiatric technicians and aides may have a short period of on-the-job training. This training may include working with patients while under the supervision of an experienced technician or aide.
Other Experience
Employers may prefer that psychiatric technicians and aides have experience in a related occupation, such as having worked with people who have developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. Technician experience also may include a clinical component, which they can gain in occupations such as nursing assistant or licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some states require psychiatric technicians to have a license. Requirements may include completing an accredited education program and passing an exam. Contact your state licensing board for additional information.
Psychiatric technicians may choose to earn optional certification. For example, the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians offers four levels of certification for psychiatric technicians. Requirements vary based on education and work experience.
Employers may require candidates to have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS).
How to Become a Psychiatric Technician or Aide
About this section
Psychiatric technicians and aides
Psychiatric technicians observe patients’ behavior and listen to their concerns.
To enter the occupation, psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate, and aides need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states require technicians to be licensed. Both technicians and aides get on-the-job training.
Education
Psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate for psychiatric technicians, behavioral health technicians, or similar titles. Programs for these certificates or associate’s degrees, available at community colleges and technical schools, train students in basic nursing skills. They include courses in psychology, anatomy, and pharmacology and also may include supervised clinical work experience. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree.
Psychiatric aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training
Psychiatric technicians and aides may have a short period of on-the-job training. This training may include working with patients while under the supervision of an experienced technician or aide.
Other Experience
Employers may prefer that psychiatric technicians and aides have experience in a related occupation, such as having worked with people who have developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. Technician experience also may include a clinical component, which they can gain in occupations such as nursing assistant or licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some states require psychiatric technicians to have a license. Requirements may include completing an accredited education program and passing an exam. Contact your state licensing board for additional information.
Psychiatric technicians may choose to earn optional certification. For example, the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians offers four levels of certification for psychiatric technicians. Requirements vary based on education and work experience.
Employers may require candidates to have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS).
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
232
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Priscilla,
It sounds like your application is strong enough to bring you to a certain stage in the recruitment process. In this case, if you haven't already, I would suggest reaching out to the human resources staff or hiring manager for feedback, focused on how your application could have been stronger for them to have chosen you for the job you applied for. One of my previous work experience before studying medicine was psychiatric nurse technician in an inpatient psychiatric unit in a hospital. In my case, I was a CNA (certified nursing assistant) with mental health counselling education and work experience in behavioural health. For my peers who were technicians, they came from several different backgrounds although some of them also had a CNA certification, and other backgrounds and qualifications included EMT (emergency medical technician), medical assistant, and a degree in psychology. Ultimately though, I would refer to the specific qualifications required by the place you're interested in applying to. Then again, and feedback from hiring managers could be helpful.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Hwal
It sounds like your application is strong enough to bring you to a certain stage in the recruitment process. In this case, if you haven't already, I would suggest reaching out to the human resources staff or hiring manager for feedback, focused on how your application could have been stronger for them to have chosen you for the job you applied for. One of my previous work experience before studying medicine was psychiatric nurse technician in an inpatient psychiatric unit in a hospital. In my case, I was a CNA (certified nursing assistant) with mental health counselling education and work experience in behavioural health. For my peers who were technicians, they came from several different backgrounds although some of them also had a CNA certification, and other backgrounds and qualifications included EMT (emergency medical technician), medical assistant, and a degree in psychology. Ultimately though, I would refer to the specific qualifications required by the place you're interested in applying to. Then again, and feedback from hiring managers could be helpful.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Hwal
Tavish Jain
SDE
5
Answers
Delhi, DL
Updated
Tavish’s Answer
Getting a psychiatric tech job can be competitive. Ensure your resume highlights relevant certifications and any related experience. Tailor each application to the specific job and employer. Practice for interviews and focus on demonstrating empathy, communication skills, and your ability to work in challenging situations. Rejection can be tough, but it's part of the process; use feedback from interviews to improve your approach. Networking with professionals in the field and considering volunteering or internships can also enhance your chances. Keep applying, stay persistent, and you'll increase your likelihood of landing a position.