Over the next few years, a better balance between the supply of qualified Psychiatric Technicians and job opportunities should develop as new graduates enter the job market. The normal workweek for psychiatric technicians is 40 hours. Most facilities operate on a 24-hour schedule, requiring day and night shifts, as well as holiday and weekend shifts. Psychiatric Technicians often work a rotating schedule. Overtime work may be required and is usually paid at time and a half.
Fringe benefits are fairly standard throughout the health industry.
Benefits for technicians hired on a permanent basis include paid vacations, sick leave, and holidays. Paid health and life insurance plans are common. Both public and private sector employers provide most, if not all, of these benefits. After one year of service, technicians working for State facilities can advance to Senior Psychiatric Technician. Other advancement opportunities are unit supervisor, developmental specialist, nursing coordinator, program assistant, program director and clinical director.