Electronics technicians help create, repair
and maintain devices that contain electronic components, such as
appliances, communications equipment, televisions or computers. Most
electronics technicians enter the job market with a diploma or
certificate in electronics technology. Distance learning degree programs
are rare, but a few online certificate programs teach electronics
fundamentals and components, semiconductor technology, circuit design
and industrial applications.
Online Electronics Technician Certificate Program Overview
Certificate and diploma programs for electronics technicians cover basic electronics theory, the design and testing of circuits and the use of diagnostic tools. Students discover the functions and limitations of various components while building and testing their own circuits and familiarizing themselves with a variety of electronics circuits and their applications. Certificate programs can provide a thorough background for students who continue on to earn a degree in specialized electronics applications like avionics, robotics or electromechanics.Distance learning certificate programs in electronics technology vary in size and complexity. Most are fully remote and can take 8-24 months to complete 350 hours of work, or the equivalent of 18 semester credits. Most classwork is not-for-credit and will not count toward an associate's or bachelor's degree, but there are exceptions.
Program Information
Distance learning courses in electronics technology are generally asynchronous, offering pre-recorded lessons online or on DVD, with online testing at the end of each subject module. Students can expect to build their own circuits using breadboards, preprinted circuit boards and kits. Some programs also supplement the hands-on learning experience by providing computer simulation technology as a test-bed for more exotic circuit and component experimentation.Distance learning students need a computer with good multimedia capabilities and a high-speed Internet connection. Programs providing specialized software may not support both Windows and Mac computer platforms, so students are advised to verify hardware and software requirements with their schools' distance learning departments before making new purchases.
Common Electronics Courses
Students are allowed to complete modules at their own pace. Many classes include laboratory experiments, using electronic components and instruments supplied with the course materials, or on computer simulation software. Reference librarians, tutors and student advisors are available online or via e-mail to help students work through the course modules, complete experiments and prepare for tests. Classes can include:Current, Voltage and Resistance Course
Students learn common electronics concepts like current, voltage, resistance, current flow and electron velocity. The course covers basic safety rules for working with different electrical sources, different wire gauges, proper soldering technique and the use of various meters and tools.Basic Circuits Course
This course covers equations governing voltage, resistance and current in series and parallel circuits; students use breadboards to complete experiments which explore the balance of electronic forces. Subjects include voltage polarity, fuses and switches, Kirchhoff's law and Ohm's law.Alternating Voltages and Currents Course
Students study circuits that produce various alternating voltages and currents and review their uses and limitations. Lab experiments help students determine the frequency, wavelength and period of various waveforms.Basic Semiconductor Course
This course reviews the physics behind the PN junction, along with applications in modern semiconductor technology. Students build their own diode-based rectifiers in the labs; they also create circuits using zener, varactor and light-emitting diodes.Integrated Circuits Course
Students compare the functions of analog and digital converters and use AC operational amplifiers in lab work to mix, filter and demodulate signals. Lab work explores configurations like inverting and non-inverting amplifiers, comparators and summing amplifiers.Career Information for Electronics Technicians
Electronics technicians may find work wherever electronics devices are manufactured, installed or repaired. Technicians often perform repetitive assembly or testing tasks in manufacturing environments. In some cases, technicians performing installations or repairs need experience in basic carpentry or the construction trades to access or install the electronics components.The number of jobs for electronics technicians was projected to grow 5% from 2008-2018, slower than the average for all jobs, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Installation and repair of commercial and industrial equipment accounted for nearly half the electrical and electronics technician jobs, and the median hourly wage for this sector was $23.29 in 2008.
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