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Healthcare

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Psychiatric Technicians
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Median pay

$42,590
Median annual pay for Psychiatric Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

20%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

15,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

144,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Psychiatric Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+28,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Psychology
  2. 2Therapy and Counseling
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Medicine and Dentistry
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Problem Sensitivity
  4. 4Deductive Reasoning
  5. 5Inductive Reasoning
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Social
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Realistic
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Empathy
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Stress Tolerance
  4. 4Cooperation
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Sincerity

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Documenting/Recording Information

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Contact With Others
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Physical Proximity
  5. 5Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
  • Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
  • Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health RecordAllscripts SunriseCerner ProFileEpic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical SystemGE Healthcare Centricity EMRICANotesInfoLogix HealthTrax EngineMEDITECH Behavioral Health Clinicals

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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