Psychiatric technicians play a crucial role in the mental health field by providing direct care and support to individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They work under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. Here are the key points to consider if you are interested in becoming a psychiatric technician in Maryland:

## What is a Psychiatric Technician?

Psychiatric technicians assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They work closely with patients, helping them with daily activities, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support. Psychiatric technicians may also assist in group therapy sessions and help patients develop coping skills.

## Where Does a Psychiatric Technician Work?

Psychiatric technicians can find employment in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, residential mental health facilities, outpatient clinics, and community centers. They may also work in correctional facilities, schools, or private practices.

## Requirements to Become a Psychiatric Technician in Maryland

To become a psychiatric technician in Maryland, you need to fulfill certain education and legal requirements:

### Education Requirements:

- High School Diploma or GED: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum educational requirement to enter a psychiatric technician training program.

- Psychiatric Technician Training Program: Completion of an accredited psychiatric technician training program is necessary to gain the knowledge and skills required for this profession. These programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and online platforms like Dreambound.

### Legal Requirements:

- State Licensure: Maryland requires psychiatric technicians to be licensed. To obtain a license, you must pass the Maryland State Board of Nursing's examination for psychiatric technicians.

## Where Can I Find Psychiatric Technician Classes in Maryland?

If you're looking for psychiatric technician classes in Maryland, Dreambound is the largest platform that can help you find and compare vocational training programs. Dreambound allows you to explore different programs, read reviews from students, and find classes near you. You can find more information about psychiatric technician training in Baltimore, Maryland [here](https://dreambound.com/view/psych-tech-training-baltimore-md).

Remember, pursuing a career as a psychiatric technician can be rewarding, as you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. With the right education and training, you can embark on a fulfilling career in this field.

## How do I get my Psychiatric Technician certification?

Becoming a certified Psychiatric Technician can be a rewarding career path for individuals interested in helping people with mental health issues. Psychiatric Technicians work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, mental health facilities, and residential treatment centers, providing care and support to patients with mental illnesses.

To become a certified Psychiatric Technician, you typically need to complete a training program and pass a certification exam. Here are the steps to get your Psychiatric Technician certification:

1. **Research the requirements**: Start by researching the specific requirements to become a Psychiatric Technician in your state or country. Different regions may have different requirements, so it's essential to understand what is expected of you.

2. **Complete an accredited training program**: Enroll in a recognized training program for Psychiatric Technicians. These programs are usually offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or healthcare institutions. The duration of the program can vary, but it typically ranges from six months to two years.

3. **Gain hands-on experience**: During your training program, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by completing clinical rotations. These rotations allow you to work directly with patients under the supervision of experienced professionals. This practical experience is crucial for developing the skills necessary to work as a Psychiatric Technician.

4. **Prepare for the certification exam**: Once you have completed your training program, it's time to start preparing for the certification exam. The exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, mental health disorders, therapeutic interventions, and crisis management. There are various study resources available, including textbooks, online courses, and practice exams, to help you prepare for the exam.

5. **Take the certification exam**: Once you feel adequately prepared, schedule and take the certification exam. The exam is typically administered by a recognized certification board or organization. Passing the exam demonstrates your competency and qualifies you for certification as a Psychiatric Technician.

6. **Obtain certification**: After successfully passing the certification exam, you will receive your Psychiatric Technician certification. This certification serves as proof of your qualifications and can enhance your job prospects in the field.

## How do I get a job as a Psychiatric Technician?

After obtaining your Psychiatric Technician certification, you may be wondering how to secure a job in the field. Here are steps to help you get a job as a Psychiatric Technician:

1. **Update your resume**: Start by updating your resume to highlight your certification, education, and relevant experience. Include any clinical rotations or internships you completed during your training program. Emphasize your skills in areas such as patient care, crisis intervention, and medication administration.

2. **Network**: Networking is crucial in any job search. Reach out to professionals in the mental health field, such as Psychiatric Technicians, nurses, or social workers, and let them know you are looking for a job. Attend professional conferences, workshops, and job fairs to meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities.

3. **Apply to job openings**: Look for job openings in healthcare facilities that hire Psychiatric Technicians. Check online job boards, hospital websites, and government job portals for available positions. Tailor your application materials, including your cover letter and resume, to each specific job opening to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

4. **Prepare for interviews**: If you are selected for an interview, take the time to prepare. Research the facility and familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and treatment approach. Practice common interview questions and prepare examples that illustrate your skills and experience in working with individuals with mental health disorders.

5. **Consider gaining additional certifications**: While not always required, obtaining additional certifications can enhance your job prospects and increase your earning potential. Look into certifications such as Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or medication administration certifications. These additional certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can make you a more competitive candidate.

6. **Volunteer or gain relevant experience**: If you are having difficulty finding a job as a Psychiatric Technician, consider volunteering or gaining additional experience in the mental health field. This can help you build your resume, expand your professional network, and increase your chances of securing a job in the future.

## Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Psychiatric Technician

Becoming a certified Psychiatric Technician opens up various career paths and opportunities within the mental health field. Here are some potential career paths you can explore:

1. **Psychiatric Technician**: As a certified Psychiatric Technician, you can work directly with patients in various healthcare settings. You will provide support, administer medications, monitor vital signs, and assist with therapeutic activities. Psychiatric Technicians often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with nurses, doctors, and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients.

2. **Behavioral Health Technician**: Some Psychiatric Technicians choose to specialize in the field of behavioral health. Behavioral Health Technicians work with individuals who have behavioral or emotional disorders, providing support and implementing treatment plans. They may work in schools, residential treatment centers, or outpatient clinics.

3. **Mental Health Technician**: Mental Health Technicians provide care and support to individuals with mental health disorders. They assist with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and help patients manage their symptoms and develop coping skills. Mental Health Technicians often work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, or community mental health centers.

4. **Substance Abuse Technician**: Substance Abuse Technicians work with individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. They may assist with detoxification, monitor withdrawal symptoms, and provide support during the recovery process. Substance Abuse Technicians can work in rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, or correctional facilities.

5. **Nursing**: Some Psychiatric Technicians choose to further their education and become psychiatric nurses. With additional training and education, you can become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) specializing in psychiatric and mental health nursing.

6. **Social Work**: Another potential career path is to pursue a degree in social work and become a licensed social worker. Social workers play a vital role in the mental health field, providing counseling, advocacy, and support services to individuals and families.

## Final Thoughts

Becoming a certified Psychiatric Technician can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice for individuals passionate about helping those with mental health disorders. By completing a training program and passing a certification exam, you can obtain the necessary qualifications to work as a Psychiatric Technician. Remember to update your resume, network, and apply to job openings to increase your chances of securing a job in the field. Consider gaining additional certifications or volunteering to enhance your skills and experience. Once you have started your career as a Psychiatric Technician, you can explore various career paths and opportunities within the mental health field. Whether you choose to specialize in behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse, or pursue further education in nursing or social work, there are plenty of opportunities for professional growth and development.

How to Become a Psychiatric Technician in Maryland

Psychiatric Technician license

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Colorado Technical University is committed to cultivating versatile professionals by providing exposure to leadership, management, and organizational concepts within the field of psychology. With a focus on applied psychology, the program prepares students for careers in management, administration, and sales. By integrating psychological principles with leadership and business concepts, the program equips students with skills to address the challenges organizations face in the 21st century.

Program Objectives:

Conceptual Understanding: Describe major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrate the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the theory and practice of psychology.

Ethical Practice: Employ ethical standards, values, and considerations in the theory and practice of psychology.

Analytical Thinking: Utilize analytical thinking to integrate the concept of self, social dynamics, and organizational workplace systems.

Effective Communication: Communicate effectively as a professional in the field of psychology, developing and articulating ideas responsibly using data and source material.

Leadership Development: Establish a personal leadership style, informed by psychological principles, that focuses on effective management and improvement strategies.

Concentration Options:

Organizational Behavior: Focus on understanding how individuals behave within organizational settings, exploring topics such as leadership, motivation, and team dynamics.

Consumer Behavior: Explore the psychological factors influencing consumer choices and behaviors, including market research and advertising strategies.


Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Organizational Behavior

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Organizational Behavior is a comprehensive 182-credit-hour program designed to provide students with real-world applications of psychological concepts and theories. Through this program, students have the opportunity to develop analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills, specifically addressing workplace issues impacting individuals, groups, and organizations. The concentration in Organizational Behavior explores topics such as developing human talent and resources, consulting, coaching and mentoring, creating learning organizations, dealing with change, promoting organizational improvements, and fostering personal growth and professional success.

Program Learning Outcomes:

General Program Learning Outcomes (BSPYCH):

Conceptual Understanding: Describe major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrate the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the theory and practice of psychology.

Ethical Practice: Employ ethical standards, values, and considerations in the theory and practice of psychology.

Analytical Thinking: Utilize analytical thinking to integrate the concept of self, social dynamics, and organizational workplace systems.

Effective Communication: Communicate effectively as a professional in the field of psychology, developing and articulating ideas responsibly using data and source material.

Leadership Development: Establish a personal leadership style, informed by psychological principles, that focuses on effective management and improvement strategies.

Concentration-Specific Learning Outcomes (BSPYCH - Organizational Behavior Concentration):

Employee Motivation: Analyze motivating factors influencing employee performance and satisfaction.

Talent Development: Examine skills needed to develop human talent and resources to promote improvement within organizations.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Organizational Behavior at CTU combines foundational psychological knowledge with a specialized focus on organizational dynamics, preparing students for impactful roles in management and organizational improvement.


Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Consumer Behavior

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Consumer Behavior is a comprehensive 182-credit-hour program designed to provide students with real-world applications of psychological concepts and theories. This program aims to foster analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills, preparing students for the dynamic job market. Students have the opportunity to explore various aspects of consumer behavior, including decision-making, problem-solving, judgment, motivation, marketing, advertising, and the interactions between consumers and society.

Program Learning Outcomes:

General Program Learning Outcomes (BSPYCH):

Conceptual Understanding: Describe major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

Analytical Thinking: Utilize analytical thinking to integrate the concept of self, social dynamics, and organizational workplace systems.

Leadership Development: Establish a personal leadership style, informed by psychological principles, focusing on effective management and improvement strategies.

Ethical Practice: Employ ethical standards, values, and considerations in the theory and practice of psychology.

Effective Communication: Communicate effectively as a professional in the field of psychology, developing and articulating ideas responsibly using data and source material.

Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrate the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the theory and practice of psychology.

Concentration-Specific Learning Outcomes (BSPYCH - Consumer Behavior Concentration):

Influence Analysis: Analyze the influence of marketing, management, and sales on consumer behavior.

Marketing Strategy Impact: Examine how consumer behavior theories and concepts influence marketing strategies..

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Consumer Behavior at CTU blends psychological principles with a focus on consumer dynamics, providing students with a unique skill set to navigate and impact consumer behavior in various professional contexts.


B.S. Psychology/Mental Health

Overview

Columbia Southern University's Bachelor of Science in psychology with a mental health concentration examines current theories and practices in mental health in the context of psychological concepts. Students pursuing this psychology and mental health degree may gain an in-depth understanding of current psychological practices and their applications among practitioners. They also may develop the ability to assess psychological concepts that have a wide range of professional applications. This online program offers flexibility and convenience, while also providing comprehensive knowledge in the field.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program provides theoretical coverage in the science of psychology, while introducing critical skills necessary to function proficiently in applied service provision settings. The degree program provides a general survey of psychology and builds upon an integrated foundation of general and applied science, research methods, human relations, learning, emotions, behaviors, and development.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

Integrate individual perspective with psychological concepts and theories in written work.

Analyze aspects of ethics and multicultural diversity as they relate to practice in the psychological profession.

Apply psychological concepts, theories, and appropriate tests and measures to real-world cases and situations.

Critique scholarly articles from peer-reviewed psychology journals with regard to strengths and weaknesses of research design, content, and generalizability.

Mental Health Concentration

Focuses on the applied aspect of psychology relating to the mental health paradigm. Students apply foundational knowledge of psychology through the lens of current theories and practices in the mental health field.

Concentration Outcomes

Explore current psychological practices that directly relate to mental health

Assess psychological concepts across a wide range of professional applications


B.S. Psychology/Diversity and Inclusion

Overview

Columbia Southern University's Bachelor of Science in psychology with a diversity and inclusion concentration focuses on the lived experiences among different groups of people. In addition to diversity across races, cultures and ethnicities, the program also addresses diversity in terms of sexual orientation, gender identities and socioeconomics. Through this program, students can master the ability to assess changes within various environments in order to prevent marginalization and improve equality. They may also learn to evaluate the effects of discrimination in work environments. Since students complete this program online, they can acquire the skills they need without disrupting their professional lives and other commitments.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program provides theoretical coverage in the science of psychology, while introducing critical skills necessary to function proficiently in applied service provision settings. The degree program provides a general survey of psychology and builds upon an integrated foundation of general and applied science, research methods, human relations, learning, emotions, behaviors, and development.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

Integrate individual perspective with psychological concepts and theories in written work.

Analyze aspects of ethics and multicultural diversity as they relate to practice in the psychological profession.

Apply psychological concepts, theories, and appropriate tests and measures to real-world cases and situations.

Critique scholarly articles from peer-reviewed psychology journals with regard to strengths and weaknesses of research design, content, and generalizability.

Diversity and Inclusion Concentration

Provides students the ability to examine a deep understanding of human psychology that relates to the lived experiences among diverse groups of people, including diversity across race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender-identification, and socioeconomic status. Graduates of this program will have the knowledge and skills necessary to enact change within various environments in an effort to support diversity and advance inclusion.

Concentration Outcomes

Evaluate how implementing changes within various environments can enhance quality and prevent marginalization.

Assess the impact of discrimination in various work environments.


B.S. Psychology/Industrial Organization

Overview

Columbia Southern University's online Bachelor of Science in psychology with an industrial/organizational concentration is designed to help students understand how psychology impacts the functions of an organization. Students pursuing this online industrial organizational psychology degree explore theories and principles behind industrial organizations with applications that improve processes and relationships in any business setting. Participants may develop a deep understanding of the connections between human behavior and organizational performance as well. Since students earn this industrial organizational psychology degree online, it is an ideal fit for busy professionals looking for a convenient way to earn their degree.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program provides theoretical coverage in the science of psychology, while introducing critical skills necessary to function proficiently in applied service provision settings. The degree program provides a general survey of psychology and builds upon an integrated foundation of general and applied science, research methods, human relations, learning, emotions, behaviors, and development.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

Integrate individual perspective with psychological concepts and theories in written work.

Analyze aspects of ethics and multicultural diversity as they relate to practice in the psychological profession.

Apply psychological concepts, theories, and appropriate tests and measures to real-world cases and situations.

Critique scholarly articles from peer-reviewed psychology journals with regard to strengths and weaknesses of research design, content, and generalizability.

Industrial Organizational Concentration

Provides students with a specialized curriculum focused on industrial-organizational theories and principles for individuals who are interested in how psychology can impact organizations. Students examine psychology theories that relate to organizational behavior and learn how to utilize these principles in the work environment to improve relationships with people and improve organizational processes.

Concentration Outcomes

Analyze how human relations impacts development within organizations

Assess the impact of people and processes within organizational settings


How to Become a Psychiatric Technician in Maryland

Recommended for you

Colorado Technical University - Online

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Columbia Southern University

B.S. Psychology/Mental Health

Colorado Technical University - Online

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Organizational Behavior

Columbia Southern University

B.S. Psychology/Diversity and Inclusion

More recommendations for you

Colorado Technical University - Online

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Consumer Behavior

Columbia Southern University

B.S. Psychology/Industrial Organization