Occupation AtlasPsychiatric Aides
O*NET · 31-1133.00
Psychiatric Aides
Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.
Also called Behavior Aide · Behavior Assistant · Behavior Intervention Assistant · Behavior Support Assistant · Behavioral Aide · Behavioral Assistant · Behavioral Health Assistant · BHA
32 more
BHA (Behavioral Health Aide) · BHA (Behavioral Health Associate) · Charge Aide · Charge Attendant · Clinical Assistant · Developmental Aide · Direct Care Worker · Health Service Worker · Mental Health Aide (MHA) · Mental Health Assistant · Mental Health Associate · Mental Health Orderly · Mental Health Program Assistant · Mental Health Worker (MHW) · MHA · MHW · Neuropsychiatric Aide · Psychiatric Aide · Psychiatric Assistant · Psychiatric Attendant · Psychiatric Nursing Aide · Psychiatric Orderly · Psychiatric Tech Assistant · Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Psychiatric Tech Assistant) · QMA · Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) · Resident Care Tech · Resident Care Technician (Resident Care Tech) · Residential Care Tech · Residential Care Tech (Residential Care Technician) · Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) · TPW
Compare with another occupationCompare with Flight Attendants
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SICSocial · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.81
- I Investigative4.04
- C Conventional3.74
- R Realistic3.44
- A Artistic1.83
- E Enterprising1.68
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (23%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (42%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (34%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Service OrientationImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- CoordinationImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
Show the other 23
- InstructingImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- SciencebasicImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
15 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Provide patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities with routine physical, emotional, psychological, or rehabilitation care under the direction of nursing or medical staff.Importance 4.6
- Listen and provide emotional support and encouragement to psychiatric patients.Importance 4.6
- Complete physical checks and monitor patients to detect unusual or harmful behavior and report observations to professional staff.Importance 4.5
- Work as part of a team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, or social workers.Importance 4.4
- Restrain or aid patients as necessary to prevent injury.Importance 4.4
- Maintain patients' restrictions to assigned areas.Importance 4.3
- Record and maintain patient information, such as vital signs, eating habits, behavior, progress notes, treatments, or discharge plans.Importance 4.3
- Aid patients in becoming accustomed to hospital routines.Importance 4.2
- Organize, supervise, or encourage patient participation in social, educational, or recreational activities.Importance 4.2
- Serve meals or feed patients needing assistance or persuasion.Importance 4.2
- Provide patients with assistance in bathing, dressing, or grooming, demonstrating these skills as necessary.Importance 4.2
- Clean and disinfect rooms and furnishings to maintain a safe and orderly environment.Importance 4.1
Show the other 5
- Complete administrative tasks, such as entering orders into computer, answering telephone calls, or maintaining medical or facility information.Importance 4.1
- Accompany patients to and from wards for medical or dental treatments, shopping trips, or religious or recreational events.Importance 3.8
- Participate in recreational activities with patients, including card games, sports, or television viewing.Importance 3.7
- Perform nursing duties, such as administering medications, measuring vital signs, collecting specimens, or drawing blood samples.Importance 4.1
- Interview patients upon admission and record information.Importance 4.0
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- PsychologyImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- AdministrativeImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
Show all 33
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.3Level 2.7
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- MathematicsImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- TransportationImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- ChemistryImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- BiologyImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- MechanicalImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
Show all 52
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Far VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Auditory AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- OriginalityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- StaminaImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.6
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- VisualizationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Rate ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Night VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.9
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
Show all 41
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 2.6
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.9Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Processing InformationImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
8 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (6)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (2)
- Email software
- Patient management software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Flight Attendants
Average difference 0.1 points · Science −0.4, Operations Monitoring +0.4
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Personal Care Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking −0.9, Negotiation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Occupational Therapy Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis +0.6, Equipment Maintenance +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Nannies
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion +0.6, Time Management +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −0.9, Learning Strategies +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Social and Human Service Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Troubleshooting −0.9, Systems Analysis +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis +1.0, Equipment Maintenance +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −1.0, Equipment Maintenance +0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.