Mental health workers, also known as psychiatric aides, help care for physically or mentally ill individuals confined to hospitals or mental health settings. In addition to helping patients to dress, bathe and eat, mental health workers socialize with them and lead them in educational and recreational activities. Mental health workers also observe patients and report any physical or behavioral signs or changes.
Work environment:
Mental health workers work in hospitals, nursing care facilities or mental health facilities.
Training requirements:
Mental health workers receive on-the-job training at a minimum. Some employers prefer mental health workers who are certified nurse assistants.
Salary range:
$25,262 $30,498 Minimum training:150 hours training; state-issued license requiredJob description:A certified nurse assistant (CNA) performs direct care and routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff.More
Salary range:
$18,949 $25,418 Minimum training:160-hour training; state-issued license requiredJob description:A home health aide is employed by private or public health care agencies to provide home care for the elderly or disabled.More
Salary range:
$42,682 $57,949 Minimum training:1-year certificate program; state-issued license requiredJob description:A licensed practical nurse (LPN) cares for the sick, injured, convalescent and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.More
Salary range:
$42,682 $57,949 Minimum training:1-year certificate program; state-issued license requiredJob description:A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) cares for the sick, injured, convalescent and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.More
Salary range:
$22,485 $31,429 Minimum training:On-the-job trainingJob description:A nursing aide, nursing attendant or orderly performs indirect care and routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff.More
Salary range:
$19,198 $24,440 Minimum training:On-the-job trainingJob description:Personal and home care aides assist elderly or disabled adults with daily living activities at home or daytime care facilities.More
Salary range:
$48,360 $58,822 Minimum training:One year of post-secondary training; state-issued license requiredJob description:A psychiatric technician helps care for physically or mentally ill individuals confined to hospitals or mental health settings.More
The number of healthcare jobs available in California is only going to grow in the coming years — and there are a lot more options than doctors and nurses.
Other jobs in healthcare offer great pay, opportunities for advancement and require only a few months or years of training. They can also be stepping stones to better-paying healthcare jobs in the future.
Whether you are just starting out or you already know what you are looking for, Health Jobs Start Here will set you on your way toward a good job in healthcare. More +
If you want to get advice directly from people who work in healthcare jobs, take a look at a "Day in the Life" of a real health worker and ask us a question on our Facebook
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