O*NET Career Intelligence

Psychiatric Technicians

SOC 29-2053.00

Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.

Zone 3 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Social Perceptiveness

4.1

Speaking

4.0

Active Listening

3.9

Monitoring

3.9

Reading Comprehension

3.8

Critical Thinking

3.6

Coordination

3.5

Service Orientation

3.5

Knowledge Areas 8

Psychology

4.2

Therapy and Counseling

3.7

Customer and Personal Service

3.6

Public Safety and Security

3.6

English Language

3.2

Administration and Management

3.1

Education and Training

3.1

Sociology and Anthropology

2.9

Key Tasks

1Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.

2Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.

3Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients.

4Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.

5Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled patients to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.

Also Known As

Behavioral Health Technician Direct Care Worker (DCW) Health Care Technician Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT) Mental Health Assistant (MHA) Mental Health Associate Mental Health Specialist Mental Health Technician (MHT) Mental Health Worker Milieu Therapist