Skip to Section
Submitter's Information
Bobbi Mahfood
Dean of Ed Services
Central/Mother Lode
West Hills College Coalinga
CTE Dean
Bobbi Mahfood
Log in to view CTE Dean's Email.
Program Details
Psychiatric Technician Training Program (A.S.)
Program Modifications (formerly substantial changes)
Psychiatric Technician (123900)
08/01/25
The Coalinga College Psychiatric Technician Program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and is esteemed as an accredited program by the California Board of Licensed Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. This intensive Career Technical Education (CTE) Program is structured into three core areas: nursing science, developmental/intellectual disorders, and psychiatric nursing.
Throughout the program, participants engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical learning with hands-on experiences. They gain valuable skills in applying the nursing process to provide comprehensive care for clients with a range of specialized needs, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect for diversity.
In addition to mastering clinical skills, participants are introduced to the highest standards of professionalism and safety in psychiatric care. They are encouraged to grow as client advocates and sponsors, promoting a culture of empathy and understanding within healthcare settings.
Upon successful completion of the Psychiatric Technician Training Program, students earn a certificate or associate of science degree, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and readiness for the licensure exam administered by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. This program not only prepares students for the challenges of the healthcare field but also instills in them the values of inclusivity, compassion, and dedication to their profession.
This is an intensive and high-unit certificate/degree program, requiring 2 or more years to complete. Classes will meet at the college, local hospitals, mental health facilities, Coalinga State Hospital, Porterville Developmental Center, and other approved facilities to accommodate the clinical components of instruction. The knowledge and skills within the program include the applications of safety in varied care settings, industry-specific critical thinking and problem-solving skills, evidence-based practice, and individualized holistic approaches to care.
Psychiatric Technicians are in high demand throughout California, with employment opportunities in psychiatric and substance abuse settings, residential care facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and general medical and surgical hospitals.
Certificate Requirements and Prerequisites
2. Show evidence of high school graduation or equivalent (GED or CHSPE).
3. Submit a complete and current application to the Coalinga College Psychiatric Technician Training Program.
4. Complete and pass a physical, background check, and drug screen.
5. In addition to the following prerequisite courses, applicants are strongly advised to possess an active California certification as a nursing assistant (CNA)
Requirements | Course Prefix and Number | Course Title | Units |
Prerequisites | HS 005 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
PSYCH 001 | Introductory Psychology | 3 | |
BIO 032 | Human Anatomy | 4 | |
PHARM 003 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 3 | |
Term 1 | NC 101 | Orientation to the Psychiatric Technician Program | 0 |
PT 051 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 5 | |
PT 051L | Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical | 3 | |
PT 052 | Medical Surgical Nursing | 5 | |
PT 052L | Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical | 3 | |
Term 2 | PT 061 | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities | 5 |
PT 061L | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities Clinical | 3 | |
PT 062 | Developmental Disabilities | 5 | |
PT 062L | Developmental Disabilities Clinical | 3 | |
Term 3 | PT 071 | Introduction to Mental Disorders | 5 |
PT 071L | Introduction to Mental Disorders Clinical | 3 | |
PT 072 | Mental Disorders | 5 | |
PT 072L | Mental Disorders Clinical | 3 | |
Major Required Total | 48 | ||
Major and Prerequisites | 61 |
20 students annually
Program Proposal Attributes
- A.S. Degree (S)
Title IV and BVNPT (regulatory changes) inspired improvement to the Program of study to ensure that students entering the Program are better prepared to succeed and that Program hours follow new regulations for July 2024.
Upon completion of the program: • Student will be able to calculate the correct medication dosages. • Students will be able to discuss and demonstrate the importance of accurate communication and documentation in the various healthcare settings within their scope of practice. • Students will be able to apply the nursing process to implement an appropriate plan of care for the client with medical, developmental disabilities, and mental illness disorders. • Student will be able to identify signs and symptoms of medical, developmental disabilities, and mental disorders.
Course Units and Hours
n/a
48
61
Course Report
Associate of Science in Psychiatric Technician (Total 0)
Take one of the following
Take one of the following
Take one of the following
Supporting Documents
Central/Mother Lode Regional Questions
Submission Details
06/06/24 - 11:31 AM
Recommended
Return to Drafts
Please list the reason(s) for returning "Psychiatric Technician Training Program (A.S.)". to Bobbi Mahfood's drafts. This message will be sent to bobbimahfood@whccd.edu
Comments, Documents, Voting
Comments
All Comments
No comments to display.