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Psychiatric Technician Paid Apprenticeship Program (Fast Track)

The Psychiatric Technician (PT) Apprenticeship Program is a one-of-a-kind program that has partnered the Department of State Hospitals-Napa (DSH-Napa), Napa Valley College (NVC), and the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC). The Psychiatric Technician Apprentice Program includes On the Job Training (OJT) at DSH-Napa. California Department of State Hospitals - Napa Internships / Training

Here is what you get by joining Napa Valley College's Psych Tech Paid Apprenticeship program (Fast Track):

  • Earn a monthly paycheck while you are enrolled.
  • Attend school and work as part of your training.
  • Enjoy Healthcare and other state benefits while you complete the program.
  • Complete the program in 18 months with a job waiting for you.

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Accepting Applications: January 2026 (through calcareers.ca.gov)

  • Final Filing Date: July 31, 2026

  • Qualifying Examination Date: September 2026 (by appointment only)

  • Application for PT Apprentice: September/October 2026 (if passed qualification exam)

BEFORE APPLYING:

Psychiatric Technician: Three-Semester Program

Admission to the Psychiatric Technician Program is competitive, and all program admission requirements must be completed prior to submission of the program application. Applications are accepted by Admissions and Records during designated application periods prior to each cohort start date. All new admission, re-admission, and advanced placement applicants must follow the current application procedures. For the most up-to-date information regarding admission requirements and application deadlines, please refer to the Health Occupations webpage

Admission Requirements

1. Complete an application for admission to Napa Valley College online at www.napavalley.edu.
This only needs to be completed once.

2. Submit proof of one of the following:

  • High school diploma
  • General Educational Development (GED)
  • California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)
  • Associate degree or higher

3. Submit official transcripts (unopened) from high school and/or college institutions, if applicable.

  • Foreign transcripts must be officially evaluated through an approved International Evaluation Service prior to submission of the program application. Napa Valley College must receive an official evaluation report of all international coursework.

4. Complete College Orientation.

  • Please contact the Counseling Center at (707) 256-7220 for orientation information.

5.  Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate/license in good standing, as issued by the California Department of Public Health.

6. Highly Recommended: HEOC-171 Medical Terminology

Please send Transcripts to Mayra Estrada mestrada@napavalley.edu in NVC Admissions & Records for review of Math and English. Mayra will also be writing and emailing the transcript verification letters.

PT Apprenticeship Program Information Sheet

PT APPRENTICESHIP CERTIFICATE OF ACHEIVEMENT information

CONTACT

 

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