Study Electro-Mechanical Technology: Programs at a Glance
In an electro-mechanical technology program, you learn how to analyze, diagnose, maintain and repair electrical circuits, mechanical systems and electronics equipment. You study AC and DC electrical circuits, as well as how they are used in electronic equipment and industrial appliances. These programs can also help you gain the latest training in microprocessors and digital circuits.
Completing a diploma or associate degree program may prepare you to pursue an electro-mechanical technician position. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that employment for electro-mechanical technicians would grow one percent from 2010-2020. The BLS noted that limited employment growth would be due to a decline in the manufacturing industries that employ these technicians.
| Career Diploma | Associate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who Is This Program For? | People who want to begin an electro-mechanical technician career | - People who want to begin an electro-mechanical technician career - Industrial technicians who want focused training in electro-mechanical techniques |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | The career path for the associate degree and the diploma are similar | Electro-mechanical Technician ($53,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 1-2 years full-time | 2 years full-time |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | None found at this time | Some courses might be available online |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Diploma in Electro-Mechanical Technology
Career and technical diploma programs in electro-mechanical technology allow you to gain foundational knowledge of electrical systems, electronic devices and industrial machinery. Most programs include a mix of lecture and lab courses to help you gain a technical and applied understanding of electrical mechanics.
As you evaluate schools, keep in mind that programs are generally designed to prepare you for entry-level work. If you know you'd like to study other electrical topics, you may consider electro-mechanical technology programs that include coursework in other areas, like electrical maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Allow you to specialize in electro-mechanical technology
- Earning a diploma generally takes less time than an associate degree
- Opportunities are available to acquire practical experience in electronics and industrial systems
Cons
- You will be preparing for a career that's predicted to see little to no employment growth between 2010 and 2020*
- You may be applying for the same jobs as someone with an associate degree
- You can expect to participate in on-campus programs; online programs generally aren't available
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Course Requirements
In electro-mechanical technology diploma programs, you can learn about troubleshooting methods for mechanical systems and get information on the National Electrical Code and electro-mechanical theory. You might study motor controls, instrumentation and fluid power concepts. Students gain hands-on experience in electro-mechanics through required labs and optional special projects and practicums.
Examples of courses you might take through a diploma program include:
- AC/DC fundamentals
- Hydraulics and pneumatics
- Microprocessors
- Electronics systems repair
- Wiring methods and theories
Online Diploma Options
Currently, online diploma programs in electro-mechanical technology are not available. This may be because diploma programs do not typically have general education courses and focus on core studies that require hands-on training. If you're interested in studying related topics, such as microelectronic circuits or numerical methods, you may consider free online courses; however, these do not typically offer academic credit.
Stand Out with This Degree
According to the BLS, you can stand out as an applicant for electro-mechanical technician positions by studying mechanical, computer, electronic and control systems. You may look for diploma programs specifically focused on these areas or structure your elective classes around the systems that are most in demand, such as computer systems.
You could also take any opportunities for individual or group projects to develop applicable experience. Through an internship or co-operative education course, you could gain practical experience or learn more about different industries that employ electro-mechanical technicians, such as the architectural or oil and gas industries.
Associate Degree in Electro-Mechanical Technology
Completing an associate degree program in electro-mechanical technology allows you to study all the foundational topics involved in installing and maintaining various electrical, mechanical and electronic systems. You may clock a significant amount of time in the lab to gain hands-on training in related areas, such as electricity, automation and industrial maintenance. Programs that incorporate other areas, including electrical maintenance, programmable controllers or robotics technology, are also available to help diversify your background in the field.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Earning an associate degree would prepare you for an electro-mechanical technician career
- Most programs have laboratory opportunities to help you develop relevant experience, such as troubleshooting electrical instruments
- You can pursue an entry-level position or transfer to a related bachelor's degree program*
- The skills you develop can be used in a variety of industries (engineering, manufacturing, scientific research)*
Cons
- You will be training for a position that the BLS predicted would see little to no employment growth from 2010-2020*
- Depending on the program, you may develop a general skill set, which could hinder your job opportunities against other applicants with specialty training
- Due to the hands-on nature of the field, you may have difficulty finding online programs
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Courses and Requirements
Course requirements for an associate degree program typically include general education courses in addition to technical and math studies. You can expect to complete skill assignments or projects through your core electro-mechanical technology courses. You might learn about preventative maintenance, electronics fabrication and quality control. Many programs also emphasize aspects of the field, such as automation or robotics.
Sample course titles you can find at the associate degree level:
- Machining fundamentals
- Programmable logic controllers
- Robotics technology
- Circuits
- Control technology
Online Degree Options
You can find associate degree programs, such as the Associate of Science in Electro-Mechanical Technology, through online or hybrid programs. At this time, these types of programs are limited, which may be due to the hands-on nature of study. Online study may be available for general education and elective courses in an electro-mechanical technology program.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
You can develop a diverse skill set for prospective electro-mechanical technician positions by studying computer, electronic, mechanical and control systems in your associate degree program. You can also enhance your skills by taking elective courses from different electrical, industrial or mechanical areas.
You should take advantage of professional development or experience courses offered through your associate degree program. This can include observing electro-mechanical technologists and participating in optional internships or learning about the technological skills that are most in demand.
