Study to Be a Telecommunications Technician: Degrees at a Glance
Telecommunications technicians install and repair systems that keep people connected and information flowing. A high school diploma and on-the-job training sufficiently prepare line installers working with outside copper and fiber optic cables. However, postsecondary training, usually a diploma or associate's degree, is necessary for the technicians who install and troubleshoot the systems at users' locations and along the networks. To become a technician for central hubs and distribution nodes, you may need a bachelor's degree.
Available online diploma and degree programs may assume prior knowledge of electronics, and might be appropriate if you already have some work experience in telecommunications or electronics. Most telecommunications technicians work for wired communications carriers, like phone and cable companies (55%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The BLS expects the number of telco technicians to grow 15%, about as much as the economy as a whole, from 2010-2020.
Diploma | Associate's Degree | |
---|---|---|
Who is this for? | Students who want quick entry into the workforce | Students who want career preparation with potential for educational and professional advancement |
Common Career Paths (with approximate average annual salary) | -Telecommunications equipment installer ($52,870*) -Home entertainment equipment installer ($36,360*) | Career paths with an associate's degree are similar to the diploma program. |
Time to Completion | 6 months-1 year part-time or full-time | 2 years, full-time |
Common Graduation Requirements | 30-45 credit hours, primarily telecommunications and electronics coursework, with internship | 60-65 credit hours, including labs and general education coursework |
Prerequisites | High school diploma | High school diploma |
Online Availability | Rare | Rare |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2011.