Psychiatric Technology (CA)

Psychiatric Technology includes the study of nursing science, developmental disabilities, and the mentally ill. Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamental Concepts, Nursing Science, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, and Nursing Care of the Client with Developmental Disabilities. This is a three-semester certificate program. The program includes classes on the college campus plus clinical training at developmental centers, behavioral health centers, and other approved facilities. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is qualified to take the California Psychiatric Technician Licensing Examination.

The Porterville College Psychiatric Technology Certificate of Achievement endorses the mission of Porterville college which is: “With students as our focus, Porterville College provides our local and diverse communities quality education that promotes intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and lifelong learning while preparing the student for vocational and academic success.” The Porterville College Psychiatric Technology program adheres to this mission when offering the Psychiatric Technology Certificate of Achievement. The mission of the Psychiatric Technician Program is to provide an innovative, student-centered educational program that prepares diverse students as candidates to become Psychiatric Technicians to provide safe, quality, evidence-based care in the current healthcare environment. The program is market-conscious as it prepares students to practice as Psychiatric Technicians in a variety of healthcare environments with input from the community represented through the program’s Advisory Committee.

In alignment with the mission of Porterville College, the psychiatric technician program provides a solid base for continued lifelong learning as a Psychiatric Technician. Although the Psychiatric Technician program is not a degree program, psychiatric technician graduates are prepared with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to continue their education.

This is a three-semester certificate program. The program includes classes on the college campus, the developmental center, mental health, behavioral health, and other approved clinical facilities.

Before You Go

• Ever wondered what the acronyms of our programs mean (i.e. AA-T, AA, AS-T, etc.)?
• Curious about our Distance Education options?
• Learn more about the different degree and certificate types, including which programs can be done through Distance Education, by visiting our Certificates and Degrees Offered page.