By Holly Walsh
Staff Writer
Cuesta’s psychiatric technician program is currently accepting applications for their 12 month training program that begins Jan. 2018.
The psychiatric technician program is located at the Department of State Hospitals Atascadero and available for those interested in becoming a licensed psychiatric technician.
The students involved in the training program also have a unique opportunity to be employed part-time by the Atascadero State Hospital while they are involved in the program.
“This allows our students to gain on-the-job training and work alongside experienced psychiatric technicians, registered nurses, physicians, and other mental health professionals,†said Karen Boriack, psychiatric technician program director .
To obtain a license as a psychiatric technician graduates must pass a State Board Licensing Exam after completion of the training program.
Graduates of the Cuesta psychiatric technician program have one of the highest pass rates in the state and according to Boriack, the program has tied for the top passing rate in California.
The psychiatric technician program at ASH began in 1954 and has been partnered with Cuesta since 1970 in preparing students to provide nursing and therapeutic services for the mentally ill.
The application deadline will be Sept. 8 and all applications can be filled out online via the Cuesta psychiatric technician website.
Informational sessions will be held for those interested in applying for future programs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 5 and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 at Atascadero State Hospital.
