3 answers
Ruby
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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What skills do I need to be a psychiatrist and what education do I need?
Hello my name is Ruby, I live and Arizona and I would like to be a psychiatrist because I like listening to people and helping. I would like to now what skills and education I need?
Is all the school worth it?
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3 answers
Ryan Smith
Child Psychiatrist
2
Answers
Corpus Christi, Texas
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Becoming a psychiatrist is a long process, but it has paid off for me in the end. However, you may want to make sure that you are interested in the sciences because it involves going to medical school and becoming a doctor. As a psychiatrist, you will primarily be involved with prescribing medications. If you are wanting to do more of the listening and talking part of treatment then you would probably be more interested in becoming a therapist. In my opinion, the best therapists are PhD psychologists, which is also a long road but provides the best training. A master's degree is preferable to only an undergraduate degree for providing therapy if becoming a PhD is too daunting.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Especially if you get a reasonable program cost-wise, and the education is really quality, yeah, it's worth it. You might try looking into the Townsend Institute (https://www.cui.edu/townsend) and see if they have a program you like the look of. Then you could see what the application requirements are and how doable it seems for you to pursue an education like that.
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hello Ruby!
Embarking on the Journey to Become a Psychiatric Technician or Aide
This section provides you with an overview of the rewarding career path of psychiatric technicians and aides.
Psychiatric technicians and aides play a vital role in patient care. They attentively observe patients' behavior and lend an empathetic ear to their concerns. To embark on this career, psychiatric technicians usually need a postsecondary certificate, while aides require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states mandate licensing for technicians. Both technicians and aides benefit greatly from on-the-job training.
Educational Pathways
Aspiring psychiatric technicians generally require a postsecondary certificate in psychiatric technology, behavioral health technology, or a related field. These programs, which are offered at community colleges and technical schools, equip students with essential nursing skills. They encompass courses in psychology, anatomy, and pharmacology, and may also provide supervised clinical work experience. Some employers have a preference for candidates who hold a bachelor's degree.
Psychiatric aides, on the other hand, typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training Opportunities
Both psychiatric technicians and aides usually undergo a brief period of on-the-job training. This practical learning experience often involves working with patients under the guidance of a seasoned technician or aide.
Valuable Experience
Employers often favor psychiatric technicians and aides who have experience in a related field. This could include working with individuals who have developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. Technicians may also gain valuable clinical experience in roles such as nursing assistant or licensed practical or vocational nurse.
Licensing, Certifications, and Registrations
In some states, psychiatric technicians are required to have a license. The prerequisites may include completing an accredited education program and passing an exam. For further details, you should contact your state licensing board.
Psychiatric technicians also have the option to earn additional certification. For instance, the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians provides four levels of certification for psychiatric technicians. The requirements for these certifications vary based on education and work experience.
Embarking on the Journey to Become a Psychiatric Technician or Aide
This section provides you with an overview of the rewarding career path of psychiatric technicians and aides.
Psychiatric technicians and aides play a vital role in patient care. They attentively observe patients' behavior and lend an empathetic ear to their concerns. To embark on this career, psychiatric technicians usually need a postsecondary certificate, while aides require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states mandate licensing for technicians. Both technicians and aides benefit greatly from on-the-job training.
Educational Pathways
Aspiring psychiatric technicians generally require a postsecondary certificate in psychiatric technology, behavioral health technology, or a related field. These programs, which are offered at community colleges and technical schools, equip students with essential nursing skills. They encompass courses in psychology, anatomy, and pharmacology, and may also provide supervised clinical work experience. Some employers have a preference for candidates who hold a bachelor's degree.
Psychiatric aides, on the other hand, typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training Opportunities
Both psychiatric technicians and aides usually undergo a brief period of on-the-job training. This practical learning experience often involves working with patients under the guidance of a seasoned technician or aide.
Valuable Experience
Employers often favor psychiatric technicians and aides who have experience in a related field. This could include working with individuals who have developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. Technicians may also gain valuable clinical experience in roles such as nursing assistant or licensed practical or vocational nurse.
Licensing, Certifications, and Registrations
In some states, psychiatric technicians are required to have a license. The prerequisites may include completing an accredited education program and passing an exam. For further details, you should contact your state licensing board.
Psychiatric technicians also have the option to earn additional certification. For instance, the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians provides four levels of certification for psychiatric technicians. The requirements for these certifications vary based on education and work experience.