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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.

Median salary

$42,590

Typical range

$33k – $60k

Job outlook

+20% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Psychiatric Technicians

    Entry / Junior

    $32,980

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Psychiatric Technicians

    Established

    $42,590

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Psychiatric Technicians

    Senior

    $51,370

Key skills

A typical day

  • 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.

Fields of study

Any field

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