Psychiatric Technician Jobs & Career Guide

Psychiatric technician is an entry-level role and as such the path to becoming one is less rigorous. That being said there are still a number of hurdles to clear. How long does it take to become a psychiatric technician? It can take anywhere from one to four years to become a psychiatric technician, depending on the specific requirements in your state and your own educational background and work experience.

The specific steps required to become a psychiatric technician will vary depending on the state in which you plan to work.

Most states require that psychiatric technicians have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some states may also require completion of a post-secondary education program, such as a certificate or associate’s degree in psychiatric technology, nursing, or a related field.

Here are some states which require psychiatric technicians to complete a post-secondary education program:

1. California: psychiatric technicians must complete a state-approved educational program in psychiatric technology, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
2. Kansas: psychiatric technicians must have a certificate or degree in psychiatric technology or a related field, or have completed an equivalent training program that has been approved by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
3. Louisiana: psychiatric technicians must have at least an associate’s degree in a mental health field, or have completed an equivalent training program that has been approved by the Louisiana Department of Health.
4. Massachusetts: psychiatric technicians must have at least an associate’s degree in a mental health field, or have completed an equivalent training program that has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
5. New York: psychiatric technicians are strongly encouraged to complete a program in psychiatric technology, mental health technology, or a related field.

Obtain any necessary licenses or certifications: Some states require that psychiatric technicians be licensed or certified to work in the field. Requirements for licensure or certification can vary by state, but typically involve completing an accredited education program, passing a certification exam, and meeting other eligibility requirements.

The exam that provides certification for psychiatric technicians is the Certified Psychiatric Technician (CPT) exam, which is offered by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT).

The CPT exam is a national certification exam that measures the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to provide safe and effective care to individuals with mental health disorders. The exam covers a range of topics, including mental health concepts and theories, pharmacology, therapeutic communication, and crisis intervention.

To be eligible to take the CPT exam, candidates must have completed a state-approved education program in psychiatric technology or a related field, and have at least six months of full-time experience or 12 months of part-time experience working in a mental health setting.

Passing the CPT exam demonstrates that a psychiatric technician has met the rigorous standards set by the AAPT, and can help them advance their career and increase their job prospects. Psychiatric technicians who earn the CPT credential are required to complete continuing education credits to maintain their certification.

The specific licensing requirements for psychiatric technicians can vary by state, and while many states do require some form of licensing or certification, some states may not have any specific licensing requirements for psychiatric technicians.

Here is a list of states that currently do not have licensing requirements for psychiatric technicians:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska
3. Arizona
4. Florida
5. Georgia
6. Idaho
7. Indiana
8. Iowa
9. Michigan
10. Mississippi
11. Montana
12. Nebraska
13. New Hampshire
14. North Carolina
15. North Dakota
16. Ohio
17. Oklahoma
18. Pennsylvania
19. South Carolina
20. South Dakota
21. Tennessee
22. Texas
23. Vermont
24. Virginia
25. West Virginia
26. Wisconsin
27. Wyoming

It is important to note that even if a state does not require licensing for psychiatric technicians, employers may have their own requirements for education, training, and certification. Additionally, some psychiatric technicians may choose to obtain voluntary certification from a professional organization, such as the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field.

Many employers prefer or require psychiatric technicians to have some prior experience working with individuals with mental health disorders. This experience can be gained through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in the field.

Some psychiatric technicians may choose to pursue additional education or certifications to advance their careers or increase their job prospects. For example, a psychiatric technician may pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing or psychology, or obtain certification in a specialized area such as geriatric mental health.

Most states require psychiatric technicians to complete continuing education credits to maintain their licenses or certifications (see our list of CE providers). This may involve attending conferences, workshops, or other training programs to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

Even if continuing education is not required by the state, many psychiatric technicians choose to participate in professional development activities to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

Finally, many employers will have their own continuing education requirements for psychiatric technicians, which may include attendance at in-service training sessions, participation in quality improvement projects, or completion of online training modules.

The average annual salary for psychiatric technicians in the US is $36,070.

The BLS reports that the highest-paying industries for psychiatric technicians as of 2020 were state government ($48,190), psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals ($39,360), and local government ($39,150). Psychiatric technicians who worked in residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities earned a median annual salary of $31,410.

See our psychiatric technician salary guide for more insights.