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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Psychiatric Assistants

Median Salary
88,044
Workforce Count
1,222

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Psychiatric assistants help psychiatrists or other healthcare professionals with diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental disorders. Psychiatric assistants may work in outpatient or inpatient settings and are available to help service members suffering from combat-related disorders along with their families. They interview and observe patients and provide them with counseling. Often these professionals represent the front lines of treatment for service members suffering with psychological conditions.

What is the work environment like?

Psychiatric assistants work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.

How many people have this role in the Military?

1,222

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$135,993

2 Years

$101,217

6 Years

$135,993

10+ Years
Median Salary
88,044

Military Details

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Psychiatric assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, laboratory demonstrations, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:

  • Patient care techniques
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Working on a medical team
  • Clinical laboratory procedures
  • Medical management information systems

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Some college

    40%

  • Bachelor's degree

    29%

  • High school

    19%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    5%

  • Associate's degree

    3%

  • Master's degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Psychology
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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