Online Psych Tech classes
Want a fast entry into mental health care with flexible online training? Online psych tech classes teach patient care, behavior monitoring, and communication skills used in hospitals and behavioral health facilities. Psychiatric technicians and aides earn a median $42,590 per year in the U.S. (BLS). Most learners qualify with a high school diploma, background check, and short skills-based training.
7. Apply for jobs
Highlight de-escalation, patient safety, ABA or psych rotations, and shift flexibility. Find Psychiatric Technician jobs near you.
8. Continue your education and professional development
As psychiatric tech is an entry-level role, there are opportunities for further professional development. Consider:
- Becoming a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor - Transitioning to a role as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor can be a natural progression for psychiatric technicians interested in substance abuse treatment.
- Obtaining your Bachelor's in Psychology Associate's in Psychology - Pursuing a degree in psychology can deepen your understanding of mental health and open doors to more advanced roles.
- Obtaining your Bachelor's in Education Associate's in Education - Can lead to roles like: special education or teacher's aide, paraprofessional in special education.
- Becoming a Psychiatrist - This is the most extensive career change option, requiring significant time and educational investment such a going to medical school. Pros: Ability to prescribe medication, high earning potential, and you will be able to practice as a psychiatrist online.
RBT vs Psychiatric Technician: Which Path Fits?
- RBT (ABA focus): Implements behavior plans, collects data, reduces challenging behaviors, supports skill acquisition under a BCBA. Requires BACB certification.
- Psychiatric Technician: Broader mental health settings, milieu management, crisis response, therapeutic activities, medication support under supervision.
Online vs In-Person Training
- Online: Flexible theory modules for working adults; learn at your own pace.
- Hybrid: Online theory plus local clinical hours to match employer expectations.
- In-person: Fixed schedules with on-campus labs and direct practice.
What You’ll Learn in Online Psych Tech Classes
- Patient safety, observation, documentation
- Therapeutic communication and boundaries
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques
- Patient rights, ethics, cultural competence
- Intro to psychopharmacology and side-effect awareness
- RBT track: ABA principles, data collection, behavior reduction, skill acquisition
Pay, Schedules, and Growth
- Pay: Median $42,590/year (BLS); differentials for nights, weekends, high-acuity units
- Shifts: 8 or 12 hours; days, evenings, nights; overtime options
- Advancement: Lead tech, behavioral health lead, RBT lead; pathways to LPN, RN, social work, counseling, psychology
Where to Find Online Psych Tech classes?
Dreambound lets you compare verified programs by tuition, schedule, clinical requirements, and support services. View details side-by-side and contact schools from one place.
FAQs
Are online psych tech classes accepted by employers?
Yes when the program is recognized locally and clinicals meet site requirements.
Do I need certification?
Varies by state and employer. AAPT helps psych techs; RBT requires BACB certification.
Final Thoughts
Online psych tech classes offer a practical, flexible way to enter mental health care. Confirm your path, complete training with any required clinicals, and earn the credential employers expect.
Explore Dreambound's in-depth guides, each shedding light on the unique requirements and challenges in states across the US. For more insights, be sure to check out our other guides.
- How to Become a Psychiatric Technician in Connecticut
- How to Become a Psychiatric Technician in Indiana
- How to Become a Psychiatric Technician in Maryland
- How to Become a Psychiatric Technician in New Mexico
- How to Become a Psychiatric Technician in West Virginia
Considering a change in your career? We've gathered some perspectives to help you in your journey. You can explore several of these:
Winlynd Caballero is a member of Dreambound's Sales team. She helps in handling the company's finullcial transactions, generating reports, and school sales. Beyond her responsibilities in the realm of numbers and business, Winlynd finds herself deeply immersed in a world of art and music.
