To work as a psychiatric aide, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some states require that psychiatric aides complete a formal training program. Programs are available through professional-technical schools and two-year colleges.

Work experience

Working or volunteering in a hospital provides good experience for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Most psychiatric aides learn their skills on the job from experienced workers. You may spend up to one month in training. During training, you learn how to:

• care for patients;
• read and record vital signs; and
• transfer patients safely.