Training in instrumentation technology
prepares students to work with control and measurement systems in
electronic equipment. Associate's degrees are available with course
requirements online. Many programs require some hands-on experience in a
laboratory.
A degree program in instrumentation technology trains students to
install, maintain and calibrate control systems and equipment in various
settings including industrial and healthcare. Associate of Applied
Science and Associate of Occupational Studies are available online.
Specializations include electrical instrumentation and controls or
advanced industrial integrated technology with a focus on medical
equipment and instrumentation.
Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED. Hybrid
associate's degree programs can be completed in two years. Coursework is
completely online; however, laboratory experiences are typically on
campus.
The online coursework is delivered through a Web-based platform
providing e-mail, message forums, course materials and assignments.
Exams can be taken online; however, a proctor may be required. A
reliable high-speed Internet connection is recommended. Students may
have to download media programs and plug-ins to view some instructional
material.
List of Common Online Instrumentation Technology Courses
General education courses include English, math, social science,
communication and computer applications. Related engineering courses
outside of the instrumentation field may include green energy systems
and light frame construction. Many required courses concern electrical
construction.
Control System Design Course
In this course, students draw the plans for electrical systems,
including the schematics and diagrams for electrical wiring. They also
plan sequences of operation to be controlled. Students work with both
electric and solid state components of control systems.
Electrical Code Course
Students become familiar with the National Electric Code (NEC), a
U.S. standard for the installation of wiring and electrical equipment.
During this class, students explore codes and discuss their
interpretation to evaluate comprehension. This course improves
compliance with the NEC in practice.
Programmable Logic Controllers Course
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a kind of digital computer,
which automatically controls machines and electromechanical processes.
This course focuses on the industrial uses of PLCs. Advanced topics
covered include control operations, data manipulation and sequencing.
Further Education
Graduates may seek a 4-year bachelor's degree program in a related
field of engineering, electrical systems technology, robotics and
quality control.
While some courses may be available online, few programs are available
entirely through distance learning due to laboratory requirements.
An online associate's degree in instrumentation focused in the
medical field prepares students to be biomedical equipment technicians.
Medical schools, hospitals, clinics, home care agencies and medical
equipment companies may employ graduates. According to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical equipment repairers had a mean annual
wage of $44,950 in May 2009 (
www.bls.gov). Also in May 2009,
electrical and electronic engineering technicians had a mean annual wage
of $55,410 while electro-mechanical technicians had a mean annual wage
of $49,880, according to the BLS. Industrial engineering technicians in
the field of measuring, electro medical and control instruments
manufacturing had a mean annual wage of $48,260 in May 2009, stated the
BLS.
No comments:
Post a Comment