San Bernardino Valley College’s Psychiatric Technology program once again had the best results for the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians’ exam during the spring 2017 semester, ahead of 14 other colleges.Program Director Dennis Jackson congratulates psychiatric technology graduates during their graduation in December 2016.

Program Director Dennis Jackson said that SBVC has been either number one or two for board results statewide over the last five years. “Test dates are self-selected by the student and evaluated quarterly,” he said. “For January, February, and March, six students took the test, and all passed, 100 percent.”

Psychiatric Technology is a one-year vocational program that provides quality education and training to students who wish to work with emotionally, mentally, and developmentally disabled clients. A psych tech must know first aid, CPR, the nursing process, and medication administration, and supervises and assists clients with eating, sleeping, personal hygiene, and developing social relationships and job skills. There are 38 students currently enrolled in the program, and clinical experiences take place at off-campus sites across the Inland Empire. “It’s the best bang for the students’ buck,” Jackson said. “Cost is about $3,500 and the jobs start at about $60,000. It is a great job and is very fulfilling.”

For more information on SBVC’s psychiatric technology program, visit www.valleycollege.edu/psychtech.