Online Psychiatric Assistant Programs: Overview by Degree Level

Psychiatric assistants work with psychiatrists, nurses and counselors to provide care to psychiatric patients. Students who want to pursue a career as a psychiatric assistant can facilitate their career goals by completing a bachelor's degree program in psychology.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Overview

Psychology programs are available as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. Students utilize research, composition, critical thinking and analysis, to gain an understanding of behavioral, emotional and cognitive functions and responses. Prospective students need to hold a high school diploma with an acceptable grade point average, or have completed a GED to be admitted into most programs.

Program Information and Requirements

The typical length of a bachelor's degree program in psychology is between 120-125 semester hours, and can be completed in about four years. These programs are typically available in fully online and hybrid formats, which combine on-campus and online learning. Courses are often offered in an asynchronous format where students can access and complete coursework on their own schedule. Students access lessons, coursework, quizzes, exams and grades through online learning platforms, such as Blackboard.
Students need to have a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. Courses taught with downloadable videos and streaming lectures may require audio and video equipment. Some courses offer live online discussion forums, and students need to have a headset or webcam.

List of Common Bachelor of Psychology Online Courses

The curriculum trains students to understand and assess human emotions and behaviors. They complete coursework in general psychology, psychological methods and research methods. In addition to psychology classes, students also fulfill general education requirements in mathematics, humanities, English, science and social sciences.

Introduction to Psychology Course

This course focuses on core psychology concepts, which include behavior, sensory perception, cognizance, consciousness, emotion, stress and motives. Students learn to assess these concepts into normal and abnormal behaviors. They also are trained to indentify disorders.

History of Psychology Course

Students in this course study the development of psychological theories, as well as the historical context that shaped the individual psychologists that created these theories. Emphasis is placed on how various trends in history have shaped the modern theories in psychology.

Psychological Disorders Course

This course focuses on the primary categories of behavioral disorders, as well as the etiology and treatments associated with each. By investigating, analyzing and evaluating case studies in mental disorders, students develop individualized treatment plans.

Career Information for Graduates

Students who complete a bachelor's degree in psychology are qualified to work as a psychiatric aide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a faster than average growth of 18% for psychiatric aides from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported mean annual wages for this occupation of $27,430 in May 2009.