Occupation AtlasPsychiatric Technicians
O*NET · 29-2053.00
Psychiatric Technicians
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.
Also called Autism Behavior Tech · Autism Behavior Technician (Autism Behavior Tech) · Behavior Tech · Behavior Technician (Behavior Tech) · Behavioral Health Associate · Behavioral Tech · Behavioral Technician (Behavioral Tech) · BHT
32 more
BHT (Behavioral Health Technician) · Counselor · Health Care Tech · Health Care Technician (Health Care Tech) · LPT · LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician) · Mental Health Associate · Mental Health Specialist · Mental Health Technician (MHT) · MHA · MHA (Mental Health Assistant) · MHT · MHW · MHW (Mental Health Worker) · Milieu Therapist · Patient Care Specialist · Psychiatric Assistant · Psychiatric Safety Tech · Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician) · Psychiatric Technician (PT) · Psychology Associate · Psychology Tech · Psychology Technician (Psychology Tech) · PT · RA · RBT · RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) · Rehab Tech · Rehabilitation Technician (Rehab Tech) · Residential Aide (RA) · STM · Support Team Member (STM)
Compare with another occupationCompare with Recreation Workers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
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 Social6.93
- I Investigative4.57
- C Conventional3.46
- R Realistic3.29
- A Artistic2.12
- E Enterprising1.46
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
- None (41%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (56%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (33%)
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 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- MonitoringbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- CoordinationImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- InstructingImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- SciencebasicImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 0.8
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 core · 4 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.Importance 4.7
- Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.Importance 4.5
- Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.Importance 4.5
- Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.Importance 4.5
- Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.Importance 4.3
- Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.Importance 4.3
- Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.Importance 4.3
- Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.Importance 4.2
- Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.Importance 4.2
- Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.Importance 4.1
- Train or instruct new employees on procedures to follow with psychiatric patients.Importance 3.9
- Escort patients to medical appointments.Importance 3.9
Show the other 4
- Administer oral medications or hypodermic injections, following physician's prescriptions and hospital procedures.Importance 4.6
- Issue medications from dispensary and maintain records in accordance with specified procedures.Importance 4.4
- Interview new patients to complete admission forms, to assess their mental health status, or to obtain their mental health and treatment history.Importance 4.1
- Contact patients' relatives to arrange family conferences.Importance 3.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- PsychologyImportance 4.2Level 5.6
- English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 2.9
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.5Level 2.6
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.1Level 2.8
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- BiologyImportance 2.5Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- TransportationImportance 2.4Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- MathematicsImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- ChemistryImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Food ProductionImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
Show all 52
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- StaminaImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Rate ControlImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.1Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.9Level 5.7
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.6Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 5.6
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.7Level 2.9
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 2.7
- Processing InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.6Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
13 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 (4)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (9)
- ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record
- Allscripts Sunrise
- Cerner ProFile
- Epic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical System
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- ICANotes
- InfoLogix HealthTrax Engine
- MEDITECH Behavioral Health Clinicals
- Netsmart Technologies Avatar Clinical Workstation CWS
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.
Recreation Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +1.1, Reading Comprehension −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Social and Human Service Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Troubleshooting −0.9, Management of Financial Resources +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Residential Advisors
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +0.8, Management of Financial Resources +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.9, Instructing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Music Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Judgment and Decision Making +0.8, Learning Strategies +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Psychiatric Aides
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis −0.8, Reading Comprehension −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.8, Monitoring −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources +1.0, Service Orientation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · 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.