About Mental Health Technician Jobs
Mental Health Technician Jobs Overview
As rates of diagnosed mental illnesses surge, the demand for mental health professionals is greater than ever before. You'll be the ideal candidate for mental health technician jobs if you are compassionate, eager to help others and enjoy working with people. As part of a mental health treatment team, you'll work directly with patients with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. It's a perfect time to look for a mental health technician job, as employment in this field is projected to grow 9% over the next 10 years.
As a mental health technician (also known as a psychiatric technician), you'll collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, physicians, counselors, and social workers. You could work in various settings, such as outpatient mental health facilities, hospitals, or patient residences. Because you'll work closely with patients, you'll significantly influence their mindset and therapy outcomes.
In this role, your daily responsibilities may include the following:
- monitoring vital signs and behavioral patterns
- administering prescribed medications and other treatments
- helping patients with daily activities such as eating and bathing
- directing recreational or therapeutic activities
- educating patients and their families
If this type of healthcare technology job interests you, consider exploring other options such as:
Mental Health Technician Job Training and Skills
To apply for an entry-level role, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer a bachelor's degree in psychiatric or mental health technology or a related field. Keep in mind that acquiring postsecondary education can also help you find more advanced and higher-paying job opportunities.
Most states don't require licensure, although it's a good idea to check the requirements in the state where you live. If your state does require it, you'll have to complete an accredited training program and pass an exam. Even if you don't need a license, you should consider obtaining certification to demonstrate your competence and knowledge to a potential employer. The American Association of Psychiatric Technicians offers four levels of certification.
To succeed as a mental health technician, you should possess the following skills:
- compassion and patience
- interpersonal skills
- physical stamina
- observational skills
- problem-solving
- active listening skills
Update Your Resume for Mental Health Technician Jobs
First impressions count, so ensure your resume is updated and void of any imperfections, such as grammatical errors or a vague career summary. Give specific examples of your accomplishments and remember to list all your certifications and training. For ideas on how to get your resume noticed by hiring managers, check out our library of resume samples.
Remember to take the time to write a compelling cover letter. Compose a clear narrative of what you bring to the role and your motivations for wanting the job. Refer to Monster's sample cover letters to get you started and practical cover letter tips to help you get hired.
Interviewing for a Mental Health Technician Job
You'll have to display a passion for patient care when interviewing for this position and demonstrate exceptional people skills. Your answers will help the hiring manager understand your motivations and healthcare goals, and assess if your skills match the role.
You may have to discuss how you handled a challenging patient situation or what you would do in an emergency. Remember to select appropriate examples to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. For more advice, check out our sample healthcare interview questions and answers to help give yourself a winning chance to land the job.
How Much Do Mental Health Technician Jobs Pay?
The median pay for a mental health/psychiatric technician is $15.41 per hour, although you can make as much as $20.55 per hour with additional training and experience. Salaries will also differ depending on where you live.
Find out what you can expect to earn in your area with Monster's Salary Tool. You'll also see what other related jobs pay and the steps you can take to boost your career.
Want to Learn More About a Company That Interests You?
Finding a career that aligns with your values and goals is essential for a happy work life. If you want more information about a potential employer, use Monster's company profiles. Here you can find things such as:
- company size and overview
- recent job openings
- mission statement
Help Improve the Lives of Others with a Career in Mental Health
Are you ready to find a rewarding career in the mental health field? Begin your search for mental health technician jobs by creating a Monster profile. We'll help connect you to recruiters in your industry and send custom job alerts and career advice right to your inbox.