Department of State Hospitals (DSH) - Atascadero: Psychiatric Technician Program

Atascadero Partnership with Cuesta College

Department of State Hospitals (DSH) - Atascadero and Cuesta College offer a one-year training program that prepares the student for licensure as a psychiatric technician. Accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technician Examiners, the 61.5 unit program prepares the student to provide nursing and therapeutic services for persons with mental disabilities, emotionally disturbed or developmentally disabled, under the direction of a physician, psychiatrist, or registered nurse.

Learn more about a career as a Psychiatric Technician:

Minimum Qualifications for Students Entering College Program:

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. 18 years of age with a valid government-issued Driver’s License and Social Security card.
  2. Satisfy one of the following:
    • High school graduate.
    • Completion of Equivalency Examination or G.E.D.

Course Calendar

Classes begin three times per year.

Contact Information for the Psychiatric Technician Program:

For further information about the program and/or application materials, contact:

Lindsay Byers, SRN
Director of the Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero/
Cuesta College Psychiatric Technician Program
Psychiatric Technician Program
Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero
P.O. Box 7007
Atascadero, CA 93423-7001

(805) 468-3175
e-mail: ASHPTProgram@dsh.ca.gov

Hospital Employment Details:

Enrolled students may be offered 20 hours per week of after school part-time work which includes a monthly salary and health, dental and vision benefits.

Facility Type: State Hospital, Psychiatric Facility

Client Types: Forensic mentally ill (male)

Client Ages: Young adult, middle-aged adult, and older adult

Number of hours per week: 20 hours after part-time school

Stipend: Monthly salary and health, dental, and vision benefits

Environment: See About the Area

Status: Active