Telecommunications Technician Degrees: Diploma, Associate & Online Training Info

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Diploma and associate's degree programs for telecommunications technicians can lead to careers in communications technology in several fields. Get the truth about the requirements, courses and career options, and find out what you can do with your training.
  • At a Glance
  • Diploma
  • Associate's

Study to Be a Telecommunications Technician: Degrees at a Glance

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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.

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  • At a Glance
  • Diploma
  • Associate's

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Featured Schools

Youngstown State University

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