Psych Tech in California

[runnerdoug87]

Hi, from the East Coast specifically Connecticut. Our state has phased out the LPN/LVN program. Question is in California many Psych Techs are also registered LVN's. I am considering moving out to Orange County have family out there and interested in working as a Psych Tech. Looking for feedback in terms of skills and education from anyone registered as a licensed Psych Tech in California?

Bit info on myself volunteered three years in EMS, worked in the operating room as a anesthesiologist technician, and now going on third year am a psychiatric technician in Connecticut. In Connecticut only requirement is a bachelors degree and some psych experience. The other qualification is a Bachelors Degree in humanities/social work.

Our role in the job is less centered on Nursing. We do charts on patients, 15 min. checks, facilitate groups, vitals, turn/lifting patients, some clerical work, and knowledge of CPI for safety. We use to be able to do intake assessments but they phased that out only allow social workers and nurses to complete those.

Appreciate the feedback

[pnkgirl25]

Actually it's the other way around...Many LVN's are actually Psych techs. An LVN can move back and forth a Psych tech can not. Before I started my LVN program I was looking at doing the Psych tech program since all the LVN programs were impacted. At the time many of the schools in the area offered a Psych tech to RN bridge. I was planning on going this route. I am so happy I decided to not do this because after only a year most of the bridge programs are phasing out the Psych tech to LVN program. So if I had gone that route I would have been stuck

What I would advise is getting your LVN. As an LVN you can work as a psych tech or an LVN. There is just way more advancement with an LVN license. If you are coming to CA soon and already have to pre req's out of the way, check out Cypress College and Cerritos College, they are the only programs in the area now that offer to Psych tech to RN bridge but I was told a few months ago that even Cypress will be getting rid of the psych tech and bridge program within the next few semesters...and this came directly from the directors mouth.

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Where did you start your lvn program?

[pnkgirl25]

Im older 35 and didn't have time to do the community college waiting game so I went to Angeles Institute in Cerritos. Program was about $28k bit it's a solid program. So far every person from my program has passed the NCLEX the first time and there were 32 of us.

Awesome program and really happy I went there. Now my goal is to work full time and go to WGU and do my BSN.

[pnkgirl25]

And and ironically... I work in psych now lol

[BlessedPT/LVN]

I currently work both as a PT at a state hospital and also am a LVN in California. They are no longer hiring LVN's at DSH in Northern CA, and are always hiring PT's. At the hospital, I work along side LVN's, RN's, and PTA's (psychiatric technician aides), physicians, and psychiatrists. PT's and LVN's essentially perform the same functions, but PT's get paid more, which is why I went to back to school to be a PT, and also not to mention state benefits. Most LVN's as a new grad have a hard time finding jobs, especially in Northern CA, where it is saturated with new grads with few positions open in this area. However, skilled nursing facilities are more likely to hire LVN's, but even that is becoming more and more competitive. Most positions that are open want at least 1 to 2 years of experience. Just so happens that I work the SNF unit at the state hospital.