Psychiatric Aide - Technician

Duties and Responsibilities: 
The main responsibility of a psychiatric aid is to provide assistance and care services to mentally ill and/or emotionally disturbed patients. As a psychiatric aide, you work directly under the supervision of a medical team. You also assist patients with making their beds, taking their medications, completing paperwork, bathing, getting dressed, grooming, eating, completing tasks, attending doctor’s and therapy appointments and socializing with others. They monitor patients and provide emotional care. They need to observe them and help them adjust to medical routines.

Salary:

$27,440 per year

$13.19 per hour

Education:

At least a high school diploma is needed but they get on-the-job training. Psychiatric technician programs include courses in biology, psychology, and counseling. The programs also may include supervised work experience or cooperative programs, in which students gain academic credit for structured work experience. Programs for psychiatric technicians range in length from 1 semester to 2 years, and they may award a certificate or an associate’s degree. Postsecondary courses in psychology or mental health technology may be helpful.

I wouldn’t like to be one, the job seems to offer a low pay for such difficult work.