Training programs for telecommunications technicians can lead to a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree. They are typically offered by state and community colleges.
10 Schools With Telecommunications Technology Programs
These schools offer relevant programs for aspiring telecommunications technicians:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Programs Offered | Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark College | Vancouver, WA | 4-year, primarily associates, Public | Associate, Certificate | $4,287 in-state, $9,718 out-of-state |
| County College of Morris | Randolph, NJ | 2-year, Public | Associate | $4,920 in-district, $8,760 in-state, $12,060 out-of-state |
| Lincoln Trail College | Robinson, IL | 2-year, Public | Associate | $3,970 in-district, $9,743 in-state, $11,734 out-of-state |
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | 2-year, Public | Associate, Certificate | $4,680 in-state, $9,360 out-of-state |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck, ND | 4-year, primarily associates, Public | Associate | $3,992 in-state, $5,588 out-of-state |
| Cayuga County Community College | Auburn, NY | 2-year, Public | Associate | $5,290 in-state, $9,948 out-of-state |
| Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $8,306 in-state, $18,086 out-of-state |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | 2-year, Public | Associate | $4,832 in-state, $6,120 out-of-state |
| CUNY Queensborough Community College | Bayside, NY | 2-year, Public | Associate | $5,210 in-state, $8,090 out-of-state |
| Texas State Technical College | Waco, TX | 2-year, Public | Associate, Certificate | $5,570 in-state, $10,080 out-of-state |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Here are some considerations for students who are choosing between programs:
- Prospective students who are looking at certificate or associate's degree programs may want to find out if credits are transferable to higher-level programs in the future.
- Prospective students may want to find out what the pass rates are for graduates on professional certification exams, such as the one offered by the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers.
- It can be helpful to find out about a school's computer lab facilities, in order to ensure that students gain experience with industry-standard telecommunications equipment.
- Prospective students may want to find out if programs include internships, which can provide hands-on training and facilitate professional connections in the industry that can lead to future career opportunities.
Telecommunications Certificate and Career Diploma
Certificate and diploma programs are available at community, technical and vocational colleges. Technician training programs can take 6-18 months to complete, and offer courses in telecommunications fundamentals. Coursework may include topics like media technologies, project management and network applications.
Associate's Degree Programs
Associate's degree programs in telecommunications and computer networking technology can be completed in two years. Coursework may cover voice communications, data communications, WANs and LANs. In addition, associate's degree programs require math, physics and other general education courses that provide a liberal arts education in addition to industry-specific training.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
In addition to the foundational telecommunications topics covered in associate's degree programs, students in bachelor's degree programs can take more advanced telecommunications courses in subjects such as emerging communication technologies and optical communications and systems. In addition, seniors may be expected to submit a final project prior to graduation.
Aspiring telecommunications technicians can prepare for a career in the field by completing a diploma, certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree program. It can be helpful to consider the school's facilities and internship opportunities when choosing between programs.