Mental health technicians, also called
psychiatric aides, assist in the day-to-day care of patients with
behavioral or developmental brain conditions. The most common online
credential for such professionals in this field is a certificate or
diploma program.
Students training to become mental health technicians through online
study usually complete a certificate program. These short programs
prepare students to assist psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists in the
daily care of the mentally challenged and emotionally disturbed.
This curricula of these online programs comprise approximately 34
credits in basic nursing and mental health. Longer programs are
typically divided into two semesters plus a summer practicum. Entry into
these programs varies, with most schools requiring little more than a
high school diploma; however, some expect a background in nursing or
another health care specialty.
Virtual classrooms have students purchasing textbooks online and
interacting with the professors through forums and e-mail. Some schools
only guarantee the program-specific courses to be offered online, with
general education courses subject to online availability.
Curricula for mental health technician certificates include core
courses in mental illness topics, as well as general courses in
computers, composition and more. Some program requirements include a
local practicum, which is usually performed on-site at a mental health
facility.
Introductory Social Work Course
This online course introduces students to the history of social work
practice in the U.S. and the various fields in which social workers
assist clients, including mental health. The roles of social workers are
examined, and students learn about the special concerns needed for
working with diverse populations and at-risk individuals.
Mental Health Law and Ethics Course
The scope of a mentally challenged patient's legal rights is covered
during this course. Through online formats like Web forums and chats,
students discuss common issues and new research in the ethics of patient
care. Confidentiality, particularly regarding the maintenance of client
records, is an important focus of the curriculum.
Case Management Course
This course teaches students how to manage the demands of a diverse
caseload from the perspective of a mental health technician. Medical
terminology and practical experience with workflow processes are among
the topics covered by most programs.
Group Psychology and Processes Course
This course looks at the dynamics involved with care and treatment in
a group setting. Instruction covers the effective theories on treatment
in a larger care-facility setting, including methods for the mitigation
of conflicts.
A mental health technician earned a median wage of $12.77 in 2008,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Entry
requirement in this career field vary, with some finding employment with
only a certificate; other employers require a background in general
nursing. Some locations may even require a bachelor's degree.
Regardless, the BLS estimated that job opportunities for mental health
technicians and psychiatric aides would grow significantly faster than
the national average, generating nearly 300,000 openings nationwide
between 2008-2018 (
www.bls.gov).
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