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Psychiatric Technician to Rn Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Psychiatric Technician to Rn Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For current psychiatric technicians who want to advance into registered nursing, especially in behavioral health. Use the tools below to see which psychiatric technician to rn roles fit your background and goals.

This is a bridge program for licensed psychiatric technicians advancing to registered nurse licensure, similar in structure to the LVN-to-RN path. Use the tools below to explore Psychiatric Technician to RN-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Psychiatric Technician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Registered Nurse or Behavioral Health Nurse Manager. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as NCLEX-RN License, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Psychiatric Technician to Rn careers/jobs, (2) Find Psychiatric Technician to Rn job listings, (3) Prepare for Psychiatric Technician to Rn careers, and (4) Provide Psychiatric Technician to Rn career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Psychiatric Technician to Rn careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Psychiatric Technician to Rn Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Psychiatric Technician to Rn careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Psychiatric Technician to Rn, so relevant Psychiatric Technician to Rn jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Psychiatric Technician to Rn Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Psychiatric Technician to Rn Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Psychiatric Technician to Rn careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 37 Psychiatric Technician to Rn Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

11 Psychiatric Technician to Rn careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Psychiatric Technician to Rn-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs

Nurse Practitioners 52.2% Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 52.2% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 24.3% Psychiatric Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.3% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Aides Teacher
Social and Community Service Managers 15.2% Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Occupation: Social and Community Service Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 15.2% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 14.9% Psychiatric Social Worker
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 14.9% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker
Psychiatric Technicians 12.8% LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician); Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician); Psychiatric Technician (PT)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.8% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician); Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician); Psychiatric Technician (PT)
Psychiatrists 12.5% Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Occupation: Psychiatrists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.5% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants 10.6% Psychiatric Secretary
Occupation: Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.6% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Secretary
Rehabilitation Counselors 10.4% Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator (PRSC)
Occupation: Rehabilitation Counselors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.4% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator (PRSC)
Registered Nurses 9% Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Occupation: Registered Nurses U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 9% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Psychiatric Aides 7.4% Neuropsychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Attendant; Psychiatric Nursing Aide; Psychiatric Orderly; Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Psychiatric Tech Assistant)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.4% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Neuropsychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Attendant; Psychiatric Nursing Aide; Psychiatric Orderly; Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Psychiatric Tech Assistant)
Orderlies 7.2% Psychiatric Orderly
Occupation: Orderlies U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.2% Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Orderly

13 Psychiatric Technician to Rn careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Psychiatric Technician to Rn-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs

Psychiatrists $ 239,200+ Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Occupation: Psychiatrists National Median Salary: $ 239,200+ Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Nurse Practitioners $ 126,260 Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners National Median Salary: $ 126,260 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $ 105,650 Psychiatric Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 105,650 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Aides Teacher
Registered Nurses $ 86,070 Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Occupation: Registered Nurses National Median Salary: $ 86,070 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses $ 86,070 Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse; Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric APN (Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse); Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric NP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse; Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Psychiatric Provider; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS); Travel Psychiatric RN (Travel Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Occupation: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses National Median Salary: $ 86,070 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse; Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric APN (Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse); Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric NP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse; Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Psychiatric Provider; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS); Travel Psychiatric RN (Travel Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Clinical Nurse Specialists $ 86,070 Psychiatric Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric Adult CNS); Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS)
Occupation: Clinical Nurse Specialists National Median Salary: $ 86,070 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric Adult CNS); Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS)
Social and Community Service Managers $ 77,030 Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Occupation: Social and Community Service Managers National Median Salary: $ 77,030 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $ 55,960 Psychiatric Social Worker
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers National Median Salary: $ 55,960 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker
Rehabilitation Counselors $ 44,040 Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator (PRSC)
Occupation: Rehabilitation Counselors National Median Salary: $ 44,040 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator (PRSC)
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $ 40,640 Psychiatric Secretary
Occupation: Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants National Median Salary: $ 40,640 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Secretary
Psychiatric Technicians $ 39,700 LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician); Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician); Psychiatric Technician (PT)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians National Median Salary: $ 39,700 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician); Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician); Psychiatric Technician (PT)
Psychiatric Aides $ 39,160 Neuropsychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Attendant; Psychiatric Nursing Aide; Psychiatric Orderly; Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Psychiatric Tech Assistant)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides National Median Salary: $ 39,160 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Neuropsychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Attendant; Psychiatric Nursing Aide; Psychiatric Orderly; Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Psychiatric Tech Assistant)
Orderlies $ 36,830 Psychiatric Orderly
Occupation: Orderlies National Median Salary: $ 36,830 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Orderly

13 Psychiatric Technician to Rn careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Psychiatric Technician to Rn-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses 5 Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse; Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric APN (Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse); Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric NP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse; Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Psychiatric Provider; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS); Travel Psychiatric RN (Travel Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Occupation: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses Education/Preparation: 5 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse; Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric APN (Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse); Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric NP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse; Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Psychiatric Provider; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS); Travel Psychiatric RN (Travel Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Clinical Nurse Specialists 5 Psychiatric Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric Adult CNS); Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS)
Occupation: Clinical Nurse Specialists Education/Preparation: 5 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric Adult CNS); Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS)
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Psychiatric Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Aides Teacher
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 5 Psychiatric Social Worker
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Education/Preparation: 5 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker
Nurse Practitioners 5 Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners Education/Preparation: 5 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatrists 5 Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Occupation: Psychiatrists Education/Preparation: 5 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Physician; Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Registered Nurses 4 Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Occupation: Registered Nurses Education/Preparation: 4 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Rehabilitation Counselors 4 Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator (PRSC)
Occupation: Rehabilitation Counselors Education/Preparation: 4 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator (PRSC)
Social and Community Service Managers 4 Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Occupation: Social and Community Service Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Psychiatric Technicians 3 LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician); Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician); Psychiatric Technician (PT)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician); Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician); Psychiatric Technician (PT)
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants 2 Psychiatric Secretary
Occupation: Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Education/Preparation: 2 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Secretary
Orderlies 2 Psychiatric Orderly
Occupation: Orderlies Education/Preparation: 2 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Orderly
Psychiatric Aides 2 Neuropsychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Attendant; Psychiatric Nursing Aide; Psychiatric Orderly; Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Psychiatric Tech Assistant)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides Education/Preparation: 2 Psychiatric Technician to Rn-Related Jobs: Neuropsychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Aide; Psychiatric Assistant; Psychiatric Attendant; Psychiatric Nursing Aide; Psychiatric Orderly; Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Psychiatric Tech Assistant)

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 37 specific Psychiatric Technician to Rn job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS)
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP)
LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician)
Neuropsychiatric Aide
PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)
PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Psychiatric Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric Adult CNS)
Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatric Aides Teacher
Psychiatric APN (Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse)
Psychiatric Assistant
Psychiatric Attendant
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Psychiatric CNS)
Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse)
Psychiatric NP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner)
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nursing Aide
Psychiatric Orderly
Psychiatric Physician
Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Provider
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Coordinator (PRSC)
Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician)
Psychiatric Secretary
Psychiatric Social Worker
Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Psychiatric Technician (PT)
Psychiatric Technician Assistant (Psychiatric Tech Assistant)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Travel Psychiatric RN (Travel Psychiatric Registered Nurse)


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Description: Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
124,000
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
142,500
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
18,500 (14.9%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
14,000
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Refer patient, client, or family to community resources for housing or treatment to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness, following through to ensure service efficacy.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Develop or advise on social policy or assist in community development.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse, combat social problems, or improve health or counseling services in community.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Advise others on social or educational issues.
Assist clients in handling details of daily life.
Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
Collect information about clients.
Conduct research on social issues.
Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues.
Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
Counsel family members of clients or patients.
Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
Lead classes or community events.
Maintain client records.
Maintain professional social services knowledge.
Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.
Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress.
Plan programs to address community health issues.
Refer clients to community or social service programs.
Supervise workers providing client or patient services.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on educational or vocational matters.
Activity: Assist individuals with special needs.
Activity: Assist others to access additional services or resources.
Activity: Collect information about patients or clients.
Activity: Confer with healthcare or other professionals about patient care.
Activity: Counsel others about personal matters.
Activity: Develop patient or client care or treatment plans.
Activity: Develop public or community health programs.
Activity: Interview people to obtain information.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain health or medical records.
Activity: Monitor health conditions of humans or animals.
Activity: Research historical or social issues.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Activity: Teach academic or vocational subjects.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Calendar and scheduling software:
Scheduling software
Data base user interface and query software:
Database software
Desktop publishing software:
Adobe PageMaker
Microsoft Publisher
Electronic mail software:
Email software
Internet browser software:
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Netscape Navigator
Web browser software
Medical software (scroll table below):
Client records software
James Frazier Associates DataStart
Medical condition coding software
Medical procedure coding software
Patient electronic medical record EMR software
Social Solutions ETO
Social Work Software ClientTouch
Office suite software:
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Presentation software:
Information presentation software
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 77.2 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 18.8 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Education: Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 23.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 19.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 17.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 9.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 5.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 1.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Board Approved Clinical Consultant External Link
Case Manager Certification External Link
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor External Link
Certified Forensic Social Worker External Link
Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology External Link
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work External Link
International Co-Occurring Gambling Specialist External Link
National Certified Counselor External Link
Registered Behavior Technician External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Breining Institute External Link
International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) External Link
Substance Abuse Program Administrators Certification Commission (SAPACC) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Addictions Counselor
Alcoholism Worker
Assessment Specialist
Behavior Specialist
Behavioral Case Manager
Behavioral Clinician
Behavioral Health Care Manager (BHCM)
Behavioral Health Case Manager
Behavioral Health Social Worker
Behavioral Health Utilization Management Representative (Behavioral Health Utilization Management Rep)
Behavioral Health Worker
Behavioral Technician
BHC (Behavioral Health Consultant)
Case Manager
Case Therapist
Chemical Dependency Counselor
Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Therapist
Clinician
Community Mental Health Social Worker
Community Mental Health Worker
Community Support Worker
Counselor
Crisis Intervention Counselor
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Crisis Worker
Direct Care Counselor
Direct Service Provider
Drug Abuse Social Worker
Drug Abuse Worker
Group Home Counselor
LBHC (Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP)
Licensed Social Worker
LTSS Service Coordinator (Long Term Services and Supports Service Coordinator)
LTTS Service Clinician (Long Term Services and Supports Service Clinician)
Mental Health Case Manager
Mental Health Clinician
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Professional
Mental Health Social Worker
Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health Worker
Outpatient Clinician
Outpatient Therapist
Psychiatric Social Worker
Psychotherapist Social Worker
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Residential Case Manager
Social Worker
Substance Abuse Clinician
Substance Abuse Specialist
Therapist
Treatment Coordinator
Related Careers to Consider
Related Careers to Consider
This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Mental Health Counselors
2 - Healthcare Social Workers
3 - Marriage and Family Therapists
4 - Rehabilitation Counselors
5 - Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
6 - Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
7 - Child, Family, and School Social Workers
8 - Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
9 - Psychiatrists
10 - Clinical Neuropsychologists
11 - Psychiatric Technicians
12 - Psychiatric Aides
13 - Social and Human Service Assistants
14 - Community Health Workers
15 - Recreational Therapists
16 - Occupational Therapy Aides
17 - Occupational Therapy Assistants
18 - Occupational Therapists
19 - Clinical Nurse Specialists
20 - Family Medicine Physicians


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers" occupation.






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