11 STEPS THAT ENHANCE SUCCESS
IN THE PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN PROGRAM
This information is intended as a resource for prospective students
considering a career as a psychiatric technician.
The student should:
Meet with a counselor from the West Hills Community
College Counseling Department for advisement prior to applying
to the program.
Submit completed Psychiatric
Technician Program application.
Practice good self-care, stress management,
and relaxation skills. A student should have the ability to
effectively deal with stressful environments and possess appropriate
conflict resolution skills.
Possess ability to do measurement conversion.
Develop strong study
skills. If study skills need improvement, consider taking
a course in study skills development (e.g., West Hills College’s
College Success Class IS 1).
Possess good organization, time management,
and priority setting skills.
Apply for financial aid, even before final
clearances have been obtained and registration is complete.
Continue to explore and utilize available West
Hills Community College campus support services including:
counseling, career center, re-entry, study and tutorial skills,
learning skills, library, and financial aid.
Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills.
Establish a strong support system.
Develop and utilize effective coping skills.
NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS IN
THE PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM
The student must be:
Clean and sober from all drugs and alcohol.
Random drug screening can be expected.
Possess a stable level of physical and mental
heath enabling the student to care for patients in the clinical
setting.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
Speak, read, and write the English language
fluently and proficiently at college level. Professional use
of medical terminology and correct spelling is expected during
the program.
Plan reliable transportation for class and
clinical assignments. Be prepared to drive as far as Porterville
and Atascadero for clinical assignments. There are times when
carpools may not be an option.
Arrange reliable child/dependent care and back-up child/dependent
care for class and clinical days. Clinical assignments may start
as early as 6:30 a.m. or could run as late as 9:00 p.m.
