Program Summary

PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN - Associate in Science

The Psychiatric Technician Associate in Science Program (PSYT) prepares students to utilize the nursing process in the provision of care and treatment to individuals with mental and/or intellectual impairment under the supervision of a physician, psychologist, and/or registered nurse. Psychiatric Technicians participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, assist patients with activities of daily living, and administer medications and treatments. Upon completion of the program students are eligible to take the Psychiatric Technician state licensure exam leading to licensure as a California Psychiatric Technician. The Associate Degree program is designed to prepare students for transfer into upper division course work in a bachelor's degree program, or, to prepare students to enter the workforce in a particular vocational field. To qualify for an Associate's Degree, a student must 1) complete each major-specific course required for the degree with at least a "C" grade or better, 2) complete all Cuesta College general education, graduation, and residency requirements, 3) achieve an overall grade point average of 2.0 for all courses attempted (major, general education, elective), and 4) submit an Associates's Degree Application to Admissions and Records. 

Career Opportunities
The Psychiatric Technician Associate in Science Program offers career opportunities at Department of State Hospitals, Correctional Facilities, County Mental health, and long term nursing care facilities throughout the state of California.
Required Courses (64.5 credits)
Units: 64.5
BIO 212
HUMAN BIOLOGY
3.0
ASHS 212
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: LIFE SPAN
3.0
PSYC C1000
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
3.0
PSYT 207
NURSING SCIENCE
16.0
PSYT 208
CARE OF THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
16.0
PSYT 209
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
17.0
PSYT 110
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN
6.5
Total: 64.5
Program Outcomes
Implement procedures based on critical thinking and learned knowledge regarding the care, treatment and rehabilitation of the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled person.
a) 8 and 16 week student evaluations. b) BVNPT State Board practice exam with passing score of 77% or higher. c) Student Surveys d) BVNPT results from Jan-Jan of previous year
Demonstrate skills and ability to practice safely within the legal, ethical and privacy issues through accurate documentation.
a) Faculty expertise –Evaluation and assessment of student in clinical setting including all documentation.
Demonstrate the ability to guide the client toward an optimal therapeutic regime by implementing appropriate treatment plans, medications and delivery of safe patient care.
a) Faculty Expertise – Evaluation of med card knowledge, administration of meds and medication calculations. b) Student evaluation forms (instructor eval of student) – students maintain >77%. c) Student surveys d) Advisory Committee input (minutes)