Psychiatric Technology Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

This certificate prepares students to become Psychiatric Technicians who deliver high-quality, compassionate, and culturally responsive care while supporting patients in achieving optimal wellness. Graduates are prepared to take the California Psychiatric Technician licensing examination. The program is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Students must complete prerequisites, required coursework, and a formal application process. Training includes campus instruction and supervised experiences in diverse community settings. Enrollment requires a background check and health clearance. Licensure may be denied based on convictions or actions related to practice.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Science and Mathematics

Department

Psychiatric Technology

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Health, Wellness, Athletics

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Use an online simulated Psychiatric Technology State Board Certification examination (BVNPT) to prepare for the BVNPT licensure exam.

  2. Apply safe and timely medication administration practices, including preparation and delivery of injections.

  3. Calculate pharmacological dosages.

  4. Apply and interpret therapeutic communication techniques during patient interactions, demonstrating respect for diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and communication needs.

  5. Develop and discuss case studies/care plans to prioritize patient care.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

Program Prerequisites

15-19 units
Biology - 1 course sequence

This course is a one-semester introduction to human anatomy and physiology. The course is intended to meet the prerequisite for students entering allied health technician programs or general education requirements of a life science course with a laboratory.

Course Details:

    OR
    This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence that introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of human anatomy and physiology. This course provides a foundation for pre-allied professional majors or others interested in the advanced study of human biology. Topics include inorganic and organic chemistry, body orientation and organization, cytology, histology, fluid and electrolyte balances, and the following systems: nervous, skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive system, and metabolism. Course includes dissections of preserved specimens.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Recommendation: BIOL 100
      2. and
    2. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000
      3. or
    3. Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000H
  1. Transfers to CSU
    2. AND
    This is the second semester of a two-semester sequence that introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of human anatomy and physiology. This course provides a foundation for pre-professional majors or others interested in the advanced study of human biology. Topics include fluid and electrolyte balance and the following body system: integumentary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive. The course includes dissections of preserved specimens. 

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: BIOL 250
    2. Departmental Recommendation: BIOL 100
      3. and
    3. Departmental Recommendation: CHEM 101
      4. or
    4. Departmental Recommendation: CHEM 105
  2. Transfers to CSU
    3. OR
    This is a comprehensive lecture/laboratory course in human anatomy. It is organized to explore the body both regionally and systemically. The course studies gross anatomy with an extensive dissection of the cat and other significant organs.  Relevant comparisons to human systems and structures are emphasized in the laboratory portion of the course. Histological and cellular anatomy are included as they apply to various structures and systems.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Recommendation: BIOL 155
  3. Transfers to CSU
    4. AND
    This course is the second semester of a two-semester sequence.  It builds on an understanding of structure to explain the dynamic functions of the human body to a cellular level.  Topics include physiology of the following systems:  muscular, skeletal, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive.  Homeostatic mechanisms and the interrelationships of body organ systems are emphasized and enhanced with clinical illustrations.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: BIOL 260
      2. and
    2. Prerequisite: CHEM 105
      3. or
    3. Prerequisite: CHEM 101
    4. Departmental Recommendation: BIOL 100
  4. Transfers to CSU
    5. ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H

    In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
  5. Transfers to CSU
    6. OR

    In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This is an honors course.

    Course Details:

    1. Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
  6. Transfers to CSU
    7. Statistics - 1 course

    This class focuses on statistics as applied to the social sciences and includes such topics as measurement, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of variability, the normal distribution curve, correlation, sampling, statistical inference, hypothesis testing and an introduction to analysis of variance. (Formerly PSYCH 105)

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Recommendation: PSYC C1000
      2. or
    2. Departmental Recommendation: PSYC C1000H
  7. Transfers to CSU

    8. This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data.  Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. 

    Course Details:

    1. Transfers to CSU

      2. This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data.  Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This is an honors course. 

      Course Details:

        This course is a study of statistical methods commonly used in business and economics including measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion and skewness; probability concepts and distributions; statistical inferences; parametric and non-parametric hypothesis testing; index numbers time series analysis; simple regression, and correlation analysis.

        Course Details:

        1. Transfers to CSU
          2. PSYC C1000 or PSYC C100H

          This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations.

          Course Details:

          1. Transfers to CSU
            2. OR

            This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations. This is an honors course.

            Course Details:

            1. Transfers to CSU

              2. Term 1

              PSYTCH 080 - Psychiatric Technology: Introduction to Nursing Science

              This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and skills necessary for entry-level psychiatric technician practice, enabling them to provide safe, patient-centered care to adult patients in various community care settings. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication, nursing process, basic nursing care, patient safety, health promotion, cultural responsiveness, disease prevention, foundational medical-surgical nursing, and gerontological nursing within diverse populations. Through a combination of theory, hands-on skills practice, and clinical reasoning, students will learn to deliver compassionate care while demonstrating professional behavior, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration within the healthcare team. This course supports the development of novice psychiatric technician students to function effectively in a variety of healthcare environments within the psychiatric technician scope of practice.

              Units and Hours:

              • Total Units: 19.5
              • Lecture: (12.5 units) - 220 hours per semester
              • Laboratory: (7 units) - 356 hours per semester
              • Total Contact Hours: 576 hours per semester
              • Total Out of Class Hours: 440 hours per semester
              • Total Student Learning Hours: 1,016 hours per semester

              Course Details:

                Term 2

                0 units
                PSYTCH 081 - Developmental Disabilities

                This course builds upon foundational nursing principles to prepare students for intermediate-level psychiatric technician practice, focusing on safe, competent care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on prenatal development, normal growth and development, the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and the etiology of diverse neurodevelopmental disorders. Students will analyze the impact of healthcare systems and health disparities on clinical outcomes, particularly in children with developmental disabilities. The curriculum enhances clinical judgment and technical skills to implement evidence-based interventions, adaptive skills training, and client advocacy in community settings. The course promotes leadership, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the psychiatric technician's scope of practice to deliver holistic, equitable care. (Formerly PSYTCH 084)

                Units and Hours:

                • Total Units: 19.5
                • Lecture: (12.5 units) - 220 hours per semester
                • Laboratory: (7 units) - 356 hours per semester
                • Total Contact Hours: 576 hours per semester
                • Total Out of Class Hours: 440 hours per semester
                • Total Student Learning Hours: 1,016 hours per semester

                Course Details:

                1. Prerequisite: PSYTCH 080

                Term 3

                0 units
                PSYTCH 082 - Psychiatric Mental Health Disorders

                This course prepares students at the advanced beginner level to deliver safe, patient-centered care to adults with psychiatric mental health disorders across a variety of healthcare settings. Emphasizing the integration of clinical knowledge, technical skills, and professional behavior, students will expand their ability to manage complex patient needs while demonstrating leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration within the psychiatric technician scope of practice. The course supports the transition from basic to more advanced psychiatric technician functions, reinforcing confidence and competence in psychiatric mental health care delivery. (Formerly PSYTCH 086)

                Units and Hours:

                • Total Units: 13
                • Lecture: (8.5 units) - 136 hours per semester
                • Laboratory: (4.5 units) - 242 hours per semester
                • Total Contact Hours: 378 hours per semester
                • Total Out of Class Hours: 272 hours per semester
                • Total Student Learning Hours: 650 hours per semester

                Course Details:

                1. Prerequisite: PSYTCH 080
                2. Prerequisite: PSYTCH 081