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Degrees and Schools

Two-year associate's degree programs for in engineering technology are available at many community colleges, technical institutes, and vocational schools. While technical institutes tend to offer intensive hands-on training, community colleges in general offer more theory and a general foundation needed for further education. Vocational schools can provide the kind of training needed by local employers.

A degree in engineering technology is different than a degree in pre-engineering, which prepares the student for more academic work, and some course credits may not transfer to a college with a four-year engineering program.

Programs should be accredited through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Coursework

All engineering technology degree students study college algebra, trigonometry, and basic science courses. Additional courses are then chosen according to area of specialty, such as:

• Fluid mechanics, mechanical design, and thermodynamics for prospective mechanical engineering technicians
• Classes in electrical circuits, digital electronics, and microprocessors for aspiring electrical engineering technicians
• Courses in safe handling of hazardous materials and environmental regulations for future environmental engineering technicians

Online Classes and Programs

Online associate's degree programs in engineering technology are readily available, but those accredited by ABET are harder to find. Campus-based community colleges and universities that offer online courses as part of their standard curricula are most likely to be accredited. Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).

Employment Requirements

An entry-level job for an electrical or electronics technician typically requires a minimum of an associate's degree or some form of postsecondary training from a community college, technical institute or vocational school. A strong background in high school math and science can provide an advantage.

How to Evaluate Schools

Aspiring electrical and electronics technicians should consider asking these questions when comparing training programs:

• Student goals - Is the student's primary goal to pursue additional schooling to become an engineer, or prepare for entry into the workforce?
• Accreditation - Has ABET accredited the program?
• Practical experience - What kinds of hands-on learning opportunities such as internships are offered? Are computer labs equipped with the latest technology, including CADD programs?
• Financial aid - Does the school provide comprehensive assistance in finding scholarships, loans, grants, and work study opportunities?
• Career search - What resources are provided to students seeking employment after graduation? What are recent graduates doing now?

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician Job Description

Electronic devices and gadgets such as computers, medical monitors, GPS devices and cell phones are designed and developed by engineers, who rely on electrical and electronics engineering technicians to assist them.

Principal responsibilities of engineering technicians on the job include:

• Solving technical problems in all phases of production: research and development, manufacturing and construction, inspection, and maintenance, and sales
• Hands-on application of the principles and theories of mathematics, science, and engineering
• Providing support to engineers and scientists as they conduct research and develop solutions
• Controlling quality by inspecting products, reviewing processes, collecting data, and conducting tests, and calculating or recording results
• Using devices to measure and diagnose products in order to make appropriate adjustments and repair
• Building or setting up equipment; preparing and conducting experiments
• Making prototype versions of newly designed equipment, often using equipment for computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)

Like engineers, engineering technicians often choose a field in which to specialize such as chemical engineering or bioengineering technology. Electronics technicians who work primarily in repairing electronic devices are part of a different group including electrical and electronics installers and repairers.