Application Periods
The Psychiatric Technician Program will start a new class every two out of three semesters. The next class will start in the Fall 2012 semester. There will be 30 openings, which will be filled by the first 30 applicants who have completed all requirements. Priority will be given to applicants who have successfully compeleted all prerequisites at the time of application.
Applications will only be accepted during the the application period for the specific semester.
The application period for the Fall 2012 semester will be from Monday, June 18, 9:00 a.m. to Thursday, June 21, 5:00 p.m.
Please review all the information before submitting your application. This is a short application period, so allow yourself enough time to request transcripts, foreign transcript evaluations, etc. Incomplete appllication packets (i.e. missing High School proof, missing test scores, missing transcript evaluations) will not be considered submitted untill all information has been received by A & R. Application packet is available below.
Acceptance letters will be sent out within three weeks after the end of the application period.
Psychiatric Technician
Licensed Psychiatric Technicians are active members of interdisciplinary teams in the forefront of care and treatment of Californians with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. This is a profession that attracts those who truly want to help improve the quality of life for some of the neediest individuals in today's society.
The Program
The Psychiatric Technician Program is a three-semester patient-centered course operated in cooperation with hospitals and healthcare agencies. It is accredited by the State Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). A certificate in Psychiatric Technician is granted by the college after completion of the program, and the student is eligible to take the examination for licensure.
Career Opportunities
Entry-level pay in California varies from $2,400 to $5,800, depending on certification or degree completion status. There is a shortage of trained and experienced psych techs in California, with constant demand in the public sector. Most jobs are concentrated near state hospitals such as Napa State Hospital and Sonoma Developmental Center, but there are many other jobs available within the prison systems, private mental health care facilities and also hospitals are recognizing the use of Psychiatric Technicians on mental health units.
If you have more questions, please contact Peggy Carroll at 707-256-4512 or pcarroll@napavalley.edu