What is a Psychiatric Technician?

A Psychiatric Technician is a healthcare professional who assists in the care and treatment of individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities. They work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and registered nurses, to provide direct patient care, monitor patients' progress, and implement treatment plans.

Training Requirements

To become a Psychiatric Technician, you typically need to complete a postsecondary educational program, such as a certificate or diploma program. These programs usually take between 12 and 18 months to complete and cover topics such as mental health, pharmacology, and patient care.

What's the Fastest Someone Can Become a Psychiatric Technician in Poughkeepsie?

In Poughkeepsie, the fastest way to become a Psychiatric Technician is to enroll in a certificate program. These programs are designed to provide the necessary training and education in a relatively short amount of time, usually around 12 to 18 months. Upon completion, you'll be eligible to take the state-required certification exam and start your career as a Psychiatric Technician.

Psychiatric Technician Classes in Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie offers several options for Psychiatric Technician classes, including:

1. Dutchess Community College: Dutchess Community College offers a Psychiatric Technician certificate program that takes approximately 12 months to complete. The program covers topics such as mental health, pharmacology, and patient care, and includes hands-on clinical experience. Tuition for the program is around $5,000, and applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Marist College: Marist College, located in Poughkeepsie, offers an Associate's degree program in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. This 2-year program prepares students for a career as a Psychiatric Technician, with coursework in psychology, sociology, and mental health treatment. Tuition for the program is approximately $35,000 per year.

3. SUNY Orange: The State University of New York (SUNY) Orange campus in Poughkeepsie offers a Psychiatric Technician certificate program that can be completed in 18 months. The program covers topics such as mental health nursing, pharmacology, and therapeutic interventions, and includes clinical rotations. Tuition for the program is around $4,500 for in-state students.

Exploring a Career in Psychiatric Technician Outside Poughkeepsie

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 Atlanta, Cleveland, New Haven, Palm Bay, or Wichita. 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 Poughkeepsie

While Poughkeepsie does not currently offer any fully online Psychiatric Technician programs, some schools in the area do provide hybrid or distance learning options that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. Additionally, there are no free Psychiatric Technician programs available in Poughkeepsie, as these programs typically require tuition and fees to cover the cost of instruction and materials.

Certification Process

After completing a Psychiatric Technician program, graduates must pass the Psychiatric Technician Certification Exam to become licensed in the state of New York. This exam tests the candidate's knowledge of mental health, pharmacology, and patient care. Once licensed, Psychiatric Technicians must maintain their certification through continuing education and periodic renewal.

Job Environment in Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie offers a variety of employment opportunities for Psychiatric Technicians. Some of the potential employers in the area include:

• Vassar Brothers Medical Center
• Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital
• Astor Services for Children & Families
• Poughkeepsie Psychiatric Center
• Hudson Valley Mental Health

These organizations provide a range of mental health services, from inpatient care to community-based programs, offering Psychiatric Technicians the chance to work in diverse settings and gain valuable experience.

Final Thoughts

Poughkeepsie is an excellent place to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Technician. With a growing job market, competitive salaries, and a variety of training options, the city provides an ideal environment for those looking to become Psychiatric Technicians and contribute to the mental health and well-being of their community. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to advance your career, Poughkeepsie has the resources and opportunities to help you succeed.

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