On Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 23 students graduated from the Napa Valley College Psychiatric Technician Program during an evening ceremony held in the Little Theatre at the College. Six of the new graduates are employees of the Sonoma Developmental Center and were sponsored by the Center.
Sonoma Developmental Center acknowledged their employees' accomplishments in a press release announcing the graduation ceremonies. The six are Brenda Mae Callejo, Cristine De La Cruz, Mindy S. Dominguez, Jaseph Hiteroza, Junie R. Kangleon, and Evelia O. Zaporteza.
The Psychiatric Technician Program at Napa Valley College is a three-semester course operated in cooperation with hospitals and healthcare agencies and accredited by the State Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Students learn pertinent skills that are used in the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled individuals and earn a certificate in Psychiatric Technician. After successfully completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the licensing examination.
According to Napa Valley College, there is a shortage of experienced and trained psych techs in California.
If you would like more information about becoming a Psychiatric Technician, or other career opportunities at Sonoma Developmental Center, you can visit the Center's website at www.dds.ca.gov/Sonoma or go to the Napa Valley College website for more information about their program.
