Prospective instrument technicians can enroll in certificate or degree programs in instrumentation technology, biomedical technology or laboratory technology. These programs are widely available at community colleges and vocational schools.
Schools with Instrument Technician Degree Programs
The following colleges and universities offer training programs for people interested in working as instrument technicians.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Programs Offered | Tuition & Fees (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop State Community College | Mobile, AL | Public, 2-year | Associate's | $4,740 (in-state), $8,610 (out-of-state) |
| Maysville Community and Technical College | Maysville, KY | Public, 2-year | Associate's | $4,248 (in-state), $14,400 (out-of-state) |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College | Saint Cloud, MN | Public, 2-year | Diploma, Associate's | $5,377 |
| University of Alaska - Anchorage | Anchorage, AK | Public, 4-year | Associate's | $8,580 (in-state), $24,762 (out-of-state) |
| West Virginia University - Parkersburg | Parkersburg, WV | Public, 4-year, primarily associate's | Certificate, Associate's | $3,722 (in-state), $8,234 (out-of-state) |
| California University of Pennsylvania | California, PA | Public, 4-year | Associate's | $11,108 (in-state), $15,726 (out-of-state) |
| Amarillo College | Amarillo, TX | Public, 2-year | Certificate, Associate's | $2,136 (in-district), $3,168 (in-state), $4,704 (out-of-state) |
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | Okmulgee, OK | Public, 4-year, primarily associate's | Associate's, Bachelor's | $5,550 (in-state), $11,160 (out-of-state) |
| Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Public, 4-year | Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's | $7,420 (in-state), $22,940 (out-of-state) |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Schools Selection Criteria
Some considerations for selecting a program in this field are outlined below:
- Prospective programs should provide hands-on training with instrumentation through laboratories or cooperative internships.
- Students should seek courses in diagnostics and installation so they are ready for problems they may encounter on the job.
- Students should consider the regulations of the health boards or occupational licensing committees in their state and find schools that prepare them for any licensure or certification exams.
- Students interested in earning voluntary certifications from such associations as the International Society of Automation, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, should ensure a program will meet any accreditation or education requirements.
Associate's Degrees in Instrumentation
These associate's degree programs are designed for those looking for industrial careers, such as manufacturing or electrical instrument technicians. These programs include general education requirements in trigonometry and technical writing. The instrumentation portion of the curriculum incorporates courses in electricity, computer technology and programmable logic controls.
Associate's Degrees in Biomedical Technology or Laboratory Technology
Laboratory technology programs are designed for instrument technicians interested in health care professions. Laboratory technology programs involve training with tissue and blood sampling techniques. Biomedical technology programs involve instrumentation techniques, while surgical technology programs teach students to prepare and pass instruments to doctors performing surgical procedures.
For individuals hoping to work as instrument technicians in the medical or manufacturing fields, a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree program can help them gain the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful when they look for jobs. Prior to enrolling, students should ensure a program is accredited and can provide them with adequate hands-on training.
