What is a Psychiatric Technician?

A Psychiatric Technician, also known as a Mental Health Technician, is a healthcare professional who assists in the care and treatment of individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities. These technicians work closely with Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Registered Nurses to provide direct patient care, monitor patient progress, and implement treatment plans.

Training Requirements

To become a Psychiatric Technician in Oklahoma City, individuals typically need to complete a postsecondary educational program, such as a certificate or diploma program, which can be found at various classes near you. These programs usually take between 12 to 24 months to complete and cover topics such as pharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and patient assessment.

The Fastest Path to Becoming a Psychiatric Technician in Oklahoma City

The quickest way to become a Psychiatric Technician in Oklahoma City is to enroll in a certificate program. These programs are designed to provide the necessary training and skills in a relatively short amount of time, usually within 12 to 18 months. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Psychiatric Technician certification exam and begin their career in the field.

Psychiatric Technician Classes in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City offers several options for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Psychiatric Technician. Here are a few examples of Psychiatric Technician classes available in the city:

1. Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC): OCCC offers a Psychiatric Technician Certificate program that can be completed in 12 months. The program includes coursework in mental health nursing, pharmacology, and therapeutic interventions, as well as clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. Tuition for the program is approximately $4,500, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

2. Francis Tuttle Technology Center: This vocational school in Oklahoma City provides a Psychiatric Technician program that can be completed in 18 months. The curriculum covers topics such as patient care, medication administration, and crisis intervention. The program costs around $6,000, and applicants must meet the school's admission requirements.

3. Platt College: Platt College's Oklahoma City campus offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Psychiatric Technician. The program takes 24 months to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experiences. Tuition for the program is approximately $25,000, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

Exploring a Career in Psychiatric Technician Outside Oklahoma City

If you've been inspired to follow the path of a Psychiatric Technician but geography isn't on your side, worry not. Your aspiration to become a Psychiatric Technician is within reach in Akron, Dayton, Louisville/Jefferson County, Provo, or Seattle. For those who don't find these options feasible, Dreambound enables you to effortlessly find and evaluate Psychiatric Technician classes by simply searching with a zip code. Armed with determination and Dreambound, anyone, anywhere, can achieve a career in healthcare.

Online and Free Options in Oklahoma City

While in-person Psychiatric Technician programs are the most common, there are also online options available in Oklahoma City. These programs allow students to complete their coursework remotely, providing more flexibility for those with busy schedules or other commitments.

Unfortunately, there are no free Psychiatric Technician classes available in Oklahoma City. All the programs mentioned require tuition and fees, though some may offer financial aid or payment plans to help make the education more accessible.

Certification Process

After completing a Psychiatric Technician program, graduates must pass the Psychiatric Technician Certification Exam to become licensed in the state of Oklahoma. This exam is administered by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and covers topics such as patient care, pharmacology, and mental health treatment.

Job Environment for Psychiatric Technicians in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City's healthcare industry provides ample employment opportunities for Psychiatric Technicians. Some of the potential employers for Psychiatric Technicians in the city include:

• Integris Health: A leading healthcare provider in Oklahoma, with multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities throughout the city.
• OU Medicine: The academic medical center of the University of Oklahoma, offering a wide range of healthcare services, including psychiatric care.
• Oklahoma County Jail: The county jail system in Oklahoma City, which employs Psychiatric Technicians to provide care for inmates with mental health or substance abuse issues.
• Community Mental Health Centers: Organizations that offer outpatient mental health services and may employ Psychiatric Technicians.

Final Thoughts

Oklahoma City's growing healthcare industry and expanding population make it an attractive destination for individuals interested in becoming Psychiatric Technicians. With a variety of training programs, both in-person and online, aspiring Psychiatric Technicians can find the right fit to start their career in this rewarding field. By completing the necessary education and certification requirements, individuals can take advantage of the psychiatric technician jobs and psychiatric technician salary opportunities available in Oklahoma City.

If you're thinking of a new career path, Dreambound offers in-depth guides to understand various job choices:

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