Psychiatric Aides

Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

$42,200
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+16% projected 2024โ€“2034

What They Do

Psychiatric aides work directly with patients who have mental health conditions or developmental disabilities, providing crucial daily support in hospitals, residential facilities, and treatment centers. They help patients with essential activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and maintaining personal hygiene, while monitoring their emotional and physical well-being throughout the day. These professionals lead therapeutic group activities, from art projects to recreational games, that help patients develop social skills and manage their conditions. They accompany patients to therapy sessions, medical appointments, and diagnostic tests, ensuring safety and providing reassurance during potentially stressful situations.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Carrington College-Mesa, AZ
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Carrington College-Phoenix North, AZ
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Eastern Arizona College, AZ
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Carrington College-Tucson, AZ
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Pima Community College, AZ
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Regional Center for Border Health, AZ
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Arkansas State University-Mountain Home, AR
$23,917
Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Butler Community College, KS
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)California Nurses Educational Institute, CA
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Cloud County Community College, KS
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Arapahoe Community College, CO
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Allan Hancock College, CA
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Best Care College, NJ
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Central New Mexico Community College, NM
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)American River College, CA
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations, FL
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Central Technology Center, OK
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)City College of San Francisco, CA
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Academia Serrant Inc, PR
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Clovis Adult Education, CA
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Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies(certificate)Central Coast College, CA
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