Cypress College Veterans Resource Center
Psychiatric Technology
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Psychiatric Technology Application Dates and Health Science Application Login
Psychiatric Technology Program Application Information
Psychiatric Technology Application Checklist
Psychiatric Technology Workshop Dates
Build Your Future as a Psychiatric Technician
A psychiatric technician is a licensed member of the professional health services team who works with individuals who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled. Psychiatric technicians may find jobs training developmentally disabled individuals in the community or at developmental centers, or caring for mentally ill people in the prison health system. There is also work available in private and state mental hospitals. The program prepares the student to meet the requirements for psychiatric technician licensure examination. The program is accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
The program is ideal for people who are interested in becoming healthcare or human service professionals; people who are interested in helping people with emotional, psychiatric, or developmental disabilities; and people who are interested in career mobility into the fields of registered nursing, special education, clinical and forensic psychology, or social work.
Location
Tech Ed III, Room 200
Program Objectives
The Psychiatric Technology program prepares students to meet the requirements for licensure as a Psychiatric Technician in the state of California. A Psychiatric Technician is a licensed member of the professional health care services team working with people who have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and/or developmental disabilities. Employed by private and state hospitals and many community facilities, Psychiatric Technicians also find a variety of jobs available in the fields of correctional mental health, human and developmental disability services. These include outpatient settings, substance abuse treatment programs, special education and many other areas promoting mental health. There are career advancement opportunities available in the areas of counseling, education, nursing, and vendorization of services.
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The program is accredited by, and conforms to the regulations of the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the State Board Licensure Examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students can earn an associate degree or a certificate.
- Two years of Psych Tech classes for a certificate.
- Two years of Psych Tech classes plus general education (often two years) for an associate degree.
The program is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is three units per course. The unit cost for the associate degree will vary depending upon the number of prerequisites needed. Most students also qualify for some form of financial aid.
Faculty
- Jaime Ramos, M.S.N., R.N.
- Kimberly Alofaituli M.S. LPT
- Cynthia Acosta, Ph.D., PT - Program Director
Psych has been my passion for more than 18 years and alongside teaching here at Cypress I also work at the University California Irvine Medical Center as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician. As a psychiatric technician I work on a medical psychiatric unit specializing in the treatment of persons with varying degrees of mental health illnesses and/or developmental disabilities. I am also honored to be the program coordinator/director for our Cypress College Psychiatric Technology Program. I recently received my Ph.D., in Forensic Psychology and am eager to continue on this path of learning. I can honestly say that working in the mental health field is a rewarding career because at the end of the day if I have made a difference in one person's life then I know that I am doing my job in the right way.
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Degrees & Certificates
Prerequisites & Requirements
Program Mapper: View course options for this program, below.
- Psychiatric Technology Certificate = 51.5 units (2 years)
- Psychiatric Technology Associate in Science Degree = 71.5-75.5 units (2 years for full-time students who have completed the general education requirements)
This program requires an application. Please read the information within this webpage to get detailed information about the application process for admission to the Psychiatric Technology Program.
Carefully Read The Following Sections Of The Information Sheet
- Program Objectives
- Who Becomes a Psychiatric Technician?
- Minimum Standards for Applicants
- Application Procedures
- Selection Criteria
- Associate in Science Degree Psychiatric Technician
- Psychiatric Technician Certificate Curriculum
- Where Are Psychiatric Technicians Employed?
- What is the Typical Salary Range for Psychiatric Technicians?
It is highly recommended that students attend a workshop for more detailed information. The Health Science Workshop Schedule and Reservations link is at the top of this webpage.
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