Mental Health Technician Careers

Do you have experience as a nurse’s assistant or a hospital orderly? Are you willing to work in an environment that helps people? If you answered “Yes” to both, then you might be headed for a career as a mental health technician. Here is some additional information about mental health technician careers.



What is a mental health technician?



A mental health technician also goes by the designation mental health assistant or psychiatric aide. The main job of a mental health technician is to assist psychologists and psychiatrists in caring for mentally oppressed, disturbed and troubled patients. Most of the responsibilities of the mental health technician are to assist the patient in performing everyday tasks, move patients, help in feeding and dressing patients, write observation reports and talk with the patients. In many institutional settings, the technician may be the closest thing the patient has to a friend or family.



What kind of education and training is required to work as a mental health technician?

1. In high school, you must concentrate on these subjects: psychology, anatomy, biology and sociology.
2. Finish high school or its equivalent GED or General Education Diploma. This is paramount because you won’t be able to complete a four or five year college degree to get a job as a mental health technician.
3. Volunteer in institutions that care for the mentally ill. Your hands-on experience will let you know if this is what you really want to do. Remember that this is not for someone who is easily intimidated. Ask a local mental health facility if you can help socialize with some of the patients. Some schools may have special needs children in the classroom that may need some assistance as well. When volunteering, try to focus on interacting with the people and see if you feel comfortable in the environment. These volunteer opportunities can often lead to gaining a letter of recommendation to use in the future. 
4. Prepare for the curriculum through medical technician training. Mental health technology involves subjects in psychology, crisis intervention, addiction to substances and alcohol and human development, just to name a few. Taking these classes may be a prerequisite for a mental health technology program, depending on the specific school of choice.
5. Get a certificate or associate degree in mental health, mental health technology or basic nursing. You can earn this from any technical or vocational school in your location. Most of these programs can be completed in as little as two years if you attend the classes full time. Many schools offer financial aid to those who qualify; contact the specific school for more information about this.
6. Pursue an internship program. This is often introduced alongside the certificate or associate course so you get to experience firsthand what it is like to work in mental health facilities; e.g., patient care, patient handling, and the work environment that make up your work. Many institutions will employ those who have completed an internship with them. Consider this an opportunity to impress your potential employer.
7. Get certified if possible. Although you will be able to land a job without a mental health specialist certification, you will be encouraged to apply and receive one just the same so that you can find a job unencumbered anywhere in the U.S. The certification agency that grants this credential is the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT). Some locations may require a certification as a condition of employment, so having it opens many doors.
8. Decide on the kind of job specialization that you would like to build on. Your job as a mental health professional offers four areas to build your career upon:
   
   • Caring for and assisting patients
   • Managing patient participation in scheduled treatments
   • Taking on administrative tasks and responsibilities
   • Security
   Many of these areas of specialization can be taught while working as a mental health technician. Certain people feel more comfortable in dealing directly with patients, while others may enjoy planning activities and scheduling treatment plans. Some hospitals offer classes to advance the skills of their employees and become cross-trained in an area.

Where does a mental health medical technician work?



Medical technician jobs may be at any of the following:

• Mental Health Institutions
• Mental Health Clinics
• Public and Private Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Special Schools for the Mentally Handicapped/Challenged

How much does a mental health technician earn?



Mental health technicians with less than a year’s experience can receive an annual salary up to $30,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The role of a mental health technician can be applied to a hospital setting, residential homes and other long-term facilities. Job growth for this position is said to grow about 6% percent over the next decade. Even though the job growth is smaller than those of nursing aides, there are typically less people wanting to enter the field, which means that there will be a competitive amount of jobs in the future. 



Career and financial growth will depend on the kind of continuing education that you pursue. Larger organizations may offer higher earnings in more populated areas. Since the nature of the work is care for others, hours may include nights and weekends. Some organizations offer higher earnings for those who work night hours, which will contribute to your overall pay. More education will definitely be required if you want to move up the ladder and take the role of psychologist and psychiatrist in the future.