Psychiatric Technicians
Mental Health Associate, Mental Health Technician (MHT), MHW (Mental Health Worker), Psychiatric Technician (PT)
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
- Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients.
- 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.
Knowledge
Math and Science
- psychology
- sociology and anthropology
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Health
- therapy and counseling
- medicine and dentistry
Business
- customer service
Skills
Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Social
- understanding people's reactions
- changing what is done based on other people's actions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- use rules to solve problems
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Dependability
- Self Control
- Concern for Others
- Stress Tolerance
- Cooperation
- Integrity
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Medical software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Netsmart Technologies Avatar Clinical Workstation CWS
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Education
Education: (rated 3 of 5)
some college or
bachelor's degree
usually needed
bachelor's degree
usually needed
Job Outlook
Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Explore More
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Psychiatric Aides
- Recreational Therapists
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about psychiatric technicians.