License to Work: A National Study of Burdens from Occupational Licensing
Psychiatric Technician
Highlights
License required in 4 states
35th most burdensome licensing requirements
89th most heavily regulated occupation
(Last updated April 24, 2012)
Definition
Psychiatric technicians care for mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed individuals, following physician instructions and hospital procedures. Workers monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. They may participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene and administer oral medications and hypodermic injections.
Summary
Only four states -- California, Arkansas, Kansas and Colorado -- require psychiatric technicians to obtain a license. However, the process is relatively difficult -- 35th most burdensome of the 102 occupations studied. Each state requires more than 200 days of education and the successful completion of a licensing exam. In these states, aspiring techs must pay a fee averaging $162 and have a 12th grade education.
