How to Become an Electronics Technician

Electronics technicians are experts in the field of electrical repair and maintenance. Electronics technicians design, develop, test, and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment used in a variety of industries. Electronics technicians work with communication equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and computers to perform product evaluations, measure and diagnose devices, and test or repair equipment. Electronic technicians may travel to factories to repair equipment and perform preventative maintenance on equipment as well as troubleshooting for repairs.

[Click here for free information about getting your online degree in electronics]

Preparation for a career as an electronics technician can begin while in high school. Students who are technically inclined and enjoy working with their hands often fair well in a career as an electronics technician. Individuals who are inquisitive, analytical, and detail oriented who possess strong organizational and communication skills also do well in this field. High school students who participate in classes like: algebra, English, physical education, keyboarding, business communications, and psychology may bolster chances of acceptance in future training programs. Additionally accesses trade or vocational training while in high school or gaining part time employment with an electrician allows students an opportunity to experience hands on learning while increasing acceptance in future certificate and college level programs.

A career diploma offered through a trade, vocational, community college, or online program allows students to learn skills necessary to diagnose electrical faults, repair and test equipment and appliances, and pre-wire and finish machine windings, electrical installations, and electric motors and transformers. Students participate in courses like: electrical technology, electrical utilization, electrical machines, electrical drawing, electrical projects, blueprint design, and wiring. Students work with qualified electronics technicians in supervised clinical experiences to gain hands on training necessary to advance to college level degree programs and certification examinations or advance to entry level jobs as an electronics technician. Students may participate in certification examinations offered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and the Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA). Certification examinations allow individuals to demonstrate skills learned in course studies and clinical experiences as well as offer continuing education opportunities.

An associates degree program offered through a trade or vocational program, community college, online program, or traditional college offers students an opportunity to advance educational and career goals. Students participate in courses like: electrical machines, electrical drawing, electrical projects, wiring, AC and DC circuits, networking and routing, mathematics, circuit boards, digital systems and components, hardware and software, sensors and transformers, and trouble shooting. Students gain hands on experiences by participating in clinical experiences under the supervision of qualified electronics technicians and may advance to certification examinations necessary for employment as electronics technicians. The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) and the Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA) allow students to demonstrate skills learned in classroom and clinical experiences. Students who complete coursework, clinical experiences, and certification exams may gain employment as electronics technicians or advance to degrees in an electronics related discipline.

Bachelor degrees in electronics engineering offer electronics technicians opportunities to expand educational and career opportunities. Students participate in courses like: C++ programming, digital and control systems, electrical circuits, micro-processing, and safety and protection. Students also participate in a clinical experience to learn hands on techniques and procedures necessary to advance to a career in robotics, engineering, manufacturing, and testing upon completing certification examinations. Certification examinations are offered through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology allows students to demonstrate skills learned in class room and clinical experiences. Students must have 4 years of work experienced following earning a bachelors degree before completing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination and Principles and Practice of Engineering examination. Many state boards require an individual to participate in continuing education courses to maintain licensure.

A masters degree in electrical engineering allows students to become experts in the field f information technology. Students participate in courses like: automatic control, communications, microprocessor systems, computer architecture, design of digital systems, biomedical imaging and sensing, communications, networking, image and signal processing, computer engineering, energy sources and systems, fields and optics, microelectronics and nanotechnology, and VLSI and circuit design. Students must complete a masters thesis and clinical experience under the supervision of a qualified electrical engineer gaining employment as IT specialists, managers of IT departments, or managers of electrical engineers. After gaining the required 4 years of work experience, individuals may complete licensing examinations offered by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Individuals who successfully complete the Fundamentals of Engineering examination and the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination gain licensing. Most state boards require individuals to complete continuing education courses to re-license or maintain licensure.

A doctoral degree in electrical engineering allows students to become professors or researchers in the field. Students participate in intensive class room training combined with a clinical experience before going on to produce and defend a publishable dissertation. Required courses vary by university but generally include: imaging, system architecture, computer electronics, control systems, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and statistics. Students who complete course work, clinical experiences under the supervision of qualified electrical engineers, and a dissertation may advance to employment following licensing examinations. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology administers a two part licensing examination for individuals upon gaining 4 years of work experience. Individuals who successfully complete the Fundamentals of Engineering examination and the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination to gain or maintain licensing upon meeting continuing education requirements.

The Best Colleges Degree Finder

  1. Search Online Degrees

Accredited, top-rated, low-cost degree programs.© 2011 The Best Degrees