Electronics technicians and technologists
assemble, test, troubleshoot, maintain and repair electronics equipment.
Electronics technicians typically work under the direction of an
engineer or technologist. Electronics technologists are trained to
perform design, analysis and research with considerably less
supervision. Online degree programs in electronics technology help
prepare technicians and technologists for the workplace.
Online Associate's Degree in Electronics Technology Overview
Offices call upon electronics technicians for repair and installation of computer and photocopying equipment. Companies engaged in the development of electronics devices rely upon electronics technicians for the careful assembly and development of prototypes and test equipment. An online associate's degree program offers graduates an understanding of electronics, schematics, components, circuits and test equipment needed for an entry-level electronics technician's position.Program Information
An associate's degree program in electronics technology can take a full-time student 4-5 semesters to complete. Distance learning programs offer all of the classroom coursework online, but may require students to engage an experienced technician to proctor examinations and review hands-on work.Distance learning students need access to a computer with graphics and sound capabilities to view lectures, review study materials, receive and return assignments and take exams.
List of Common Courses
Coursework for online students is generally the same as for their on-site counterparts. Online students generally have fewer schedule and deadline constraints, and can study at their own pace. Core courses include:Electricity and Circuits Course
Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts in electricity, learning to balance current, resistance, voltage and power using Ohm's law. They learn to recognize components, build circuits and perform basic testing.Drafting and Schematics Course
Electronics technicians need to understand drafting plans and schematics in order to assemble, adapt and test circuits and circuit boards. Students learn the principles of drafting, different drawing views and projections, line styles and symbols used in electronics. Both computer drafting and traditional drawing methods may be included.Instruments and Measurements Course
Students learn the structure and function of various pieces of testing equipment and the use of voltmeters, ammeters, oscilloscopes and component testers in circuit analysis. The course reinforces the use of proper safety procedures, especially when working with high-voltage and high-power systems.Basic Computer Course
Students are introduced to industrial computer systems, basic computer components and programming principles. They learn about networking hardware and installations and how to troubleshoot networking problems.Career Information for Electronic Technicians
An online associate's degree program in electronics technology can prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in technical field service, telecommunications, research and development, quality control and manufacturing. Technicians can expect to improve their skills with on-the-job training.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for electronics technicians is projected to decrease by two percent from 2008 to 2018. Technicians with at least an associate's degree may have an edge over other technicians. The median annual salary for electronics technicians in 2009 was $54,820 (www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education and Certification Information
State and federal governments do not license electronics technicians or technologists, but several professional organizations encourage certification as a way of helping standardize the industry. Certifying agencies include the Electronics Technicians Association, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, the Consumer Electronics Association, the North American Retail Dealers Association and the National Coalition for Electronics Education.Online Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Technology Overview
Electronics technologists study many of the same subjects as electrical engineers, but technologists are more application-oriented, while engineers tend to be more conceptual. The National Society of Professional Engineers makes the distinction that technologists implement what engineers design (www.nspe.org).An online bachelor's degree in electronic technology provides an electronic technologist with the knowledge and skills needed to fill the niche between engineer and technician.
Program Information
A bachelor's degree program in electronics technology can take 4-6 years to finish. Many are 'degree completion' programs which require applicants to have completed four semesters or have earned an associate's degree at an accredited school.Distance learning students need computers with multimedia capabilities and fast Internet connections. Computer programs designed as learning aids may run only on Windows or Mac operating systems. Some programs offer enough online courses for students to complete a degree, but others may require students to attend as many as one-quarter of their classes on-campus. Some schools may help the student to arrange a local internship to complete hands-on training.
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