Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Depending on whether you attend a technical college for a vocational certification or a four-year college to earn a degree, there are a variety of certifications and degrees offered to students who focus on technology. You might opt to major in a field such as engineering, mathematics or programming. Be sure to consult your school’s course catalogue to determine the best program for your needs.
Among the certifications and degrees offered for the technology field are:
- Vocational Certificate
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
Information technology career paths are accessible within a wide gamut of career training or education levels.
If time is important, you could finish a technology program at a vocational college in just a year. But if you’re willing to invest more time in your education, you could earn a Bachelor’s Degree in four years or less. Remember that many companies structure their pay scales based on education level.
How to Become an Electronic Technician
A career as an electronic technician may be for you if you have an interest in electronics and wiring. Electronic technicians typically help engineers design, develop, and test electronic equipment such as medical devices, communications equipment, and computers. Electronic technicians work with electronic circuits and systems, performing troubleshooting, installation, and repair functions.
A career in electronics can be demanding because new electronic circuits and advances in computers require electronic technicians to always be learning throughout their careers.
Training Required for a Career as an Electronic Technician
Although there is no strict educational requirement to become an electronic technician, most employers prefer job candidates to have a two-year degree at a minimum. Other coursework in engineering technology can be used as a substitute, but a two-year degree is still suggested. These degrees can be obtained at community colleges, technical colleges, or vocational schools. Most college programs will include algebra and trigonometry, so high school courses in math will be helpful. Most electronic technicians also learn new skills while on the job, so summer employment can give you valuable experience to start a successful career.
Most two-year programs are accredited. Depending on the specific degree, some programs may require additional courses in mathematics and engineering technology. The accrediting board for electronic technician school programs is the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). There are currently about 700 programs that have been approved by ABET.
Coursework in these accredited programs will typically include microprocessors, electrical circuits, and digital electronics. Students who join electronics clubs and who pursue electronics as a hobby can learn the vernacular of electronic technicians and gain an advantage in pursuing a career as an electronic technician.
Electronic Technician Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median electronic technician salary is $53,200. The top ten percent of electronic technician salaries is above $78,500. The middle fifty percent of electronic technician salaries fall between $41,500 and $64,100. The bottom ten percent of electronic technician salaries fall below $32,500. (Salary data retrieved 7/10/11)
To get the training you need to become an electronic technician, find a training program now!