ELT Program at Oakton Community College

Frequently Asked Questions
What is nature of the work?
Electronics technicians use engineers' plans to design and develop electronic equipment and electrical machinery. They may work in research, development, quality control, design, production or sales. They work on radios, televisions, machine controls, computers, robots, radar or sonar. Technicians use information from blueprints and detailed drawings to test, adjust, and inspect products. They insure that set standards and specifications have been met. Some electronics technicians help in the development of electronic products. Other technicians are responsible for repairing and servicing defective equipment.
What is start salary?
The OCC program chair reports that entry-level electronic technicians in the Chicago metro area without an AAS will start between $20-25,000/yr. With an AAS degree, they start about $30,000. CareerBuilder.com reports that a typical Electronics Technician in the Chicagoland area will earn between 38,522 and 73,312 in 2004.
What kind of education and training do I need?
Most employers prefer applicants with at least two years of training in electronics technology and/or previous work experience. However, the program chair reports that there is such a demand for these workers in this area, employers are taking what they can get. The marketplace is in desperate need for electronic technicians (workers who assist electronic engineers). Employers would like an associate's degree, but are taking what they can get because of the large demand. The A+ certification is being asked for by employers more and more to verify the competencies of those who work with computer hardware; repairing it as well as setting it up. The program chair believes neither salary nor marketability increases markedly with a Bachelor's in Electronics Technology. This degree attracts people who want a bachelor's degree, but can't complete the extensive math required for an engineering degree Please be aware that often the academic curriculum for an associates degree or certificate is very different from the bachelor's degree. See your counselor for details.
What skills are necessary for ELT specialists?
• Using tools, measuring • Maintaining, inspecting, repairing • Installing, setting up • Following written and/or oral instructions • Keeping records • Analyzing, evaluating
What are possible occupations after completing ELT Program?
• Cost Estimator • Equipment Salesperson • Heating and Refrigeration Technician • Commercial Refrigeration Mechanic/Tech • Heating and Air Conditioning Installers • System Designer • Engineering Assistant • Manufacturer's Service Specialist • Shop Supervisor • Small Business Owner
What certificates are offered by ELT Program and ?
Electronics Technology Certificate (41 cr.) - Same major requirements as the AAS without the general education. General multi-purpose curriculum to teach a broad area of electronics technology. Electronics Computer Technician Certificate (36 cr.) - Designed for people who want to concentrate on learning how to fix and maintain computer hardware systems. A+ Certificate (11 cr.) prepares students to take the two A+ certification exams. This is a certification that represents a particular level of expertise with computer hardware. Fast track available - one semester for completion, during the day at DP and in the evenings at RHC. This is designed for students who are already computer technicians, but want to prepare for the certification exam. Students who do not have a computer technician background should follow the Computer Technician Certificate curriculum.
What will the graduates of ELT Program be able to do?
1. Work as members of an engineering team 2. Work as electronic engineering technicians 3. Work as research engineering technicians 4. Work as technical sales repsentatives 5. Work as technical writers 6. Work as customer service representatives
What kind of education is the marketplace looking for in your area?
The marketplace is in desperate need for electronic technicians (workers who assist electronic engineers). Employers would like an associate's degree, but are taking what they can get because of the large demand. The A+ certification is being asked for by employers more and more to verify the competencies of those who work with computer hardware; repairing it as well as setting it up.
What salary can an entry level person expect to get?
The chairperson reports that entry level electronic technicians in the Chicago metro area without an AAS will start between $25-30,000/yr. With an AAS degree, they start about $30,000. Chair believes neither salary nor marketability increases markedly with Bachelors in Electronics Technology (BSET). The BSET attracts people who want a bachelor's degree, but can't handle the math in an engineering program.
How do the different certificates differ in purpose?
Electronics Technology Certificate (41 cr.) has the same major requirements as the AAS without the general education. General multi-purpose curriculum is to teach a broad area of electronics technology. Electronics Computer Technician Certificate (36 cr.) is designed for people who want to concentrate on learning how to fix and maintain computer hardware systems. A+ Certificate (11 cr.) prepares students to take the two A+ certification exams. This is a certification that represents a particular level of expertise with computer hardware. Fast track available - one semester for completion, during the day at DP and in the evenings at RHC. This is designed for students who are already computer technicians, but want to prepare for the certification exam. Students who do not have a computer technician background should follow the Computer Technician Certificate curriculum.
Are courses offered days, evenings, and weekends?
Courses are offered at all times, at both campuses A+ fast tract at DP during the day, and at SK at night in fall 2003.
Are there any courses that are only offered once a year? If so, when are they offered?
All prerequisites are offered both fall and spring. Some advanced courses are only offered once a year. See chair for schedule.
What happens if a course required by a certificate or AAS is continually withdrawn for lack of enrollment?
Chair will substitute or make other arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
Can an experienced adult student proficiency out of some of the ELT courses?
Yes. Refer student to chair for further information.
Are there any 2 + 2 programs for this AAS degree?
Yes. DeVry, NIU, SIU, and Bradley will take the AAS towards their BS in Electronics Technology.
Do any of the tool courses typically transfer into 4-year programs?
Only into the programs listed in the previous question.
Are there any major updates or changes coming in the curriculum or in the marketplace?
Skokie houses a Prometric Testing site where students can take the A+ certification exams. They cost $95/ea. for students - more for the community at large. Fast track classes have been designed for the A+ certificate so a student can finish the 4 classes in 1 semester. ELT107 & 130 the 1 st 8 weeks, and ELT 140 and 150 in the 2 nd 8 wks Some ELT prereqs. will be changing.
What does it take to be a successful student in this program?
Good technical, hands-on skills. Basic algebraic knowledge. If the former skills are strong, language skills are not so important.
Are there any courses that are good to take together, or to avoid taking together?
ELT 130 & LAN 150 are good to take if a student is interested in trying a couple of courses to test out their interest in the computer networking area.
Would you like students to be referred to you if they have questions that can't be answered by the counselors?
Yes.
Describe some of your most popular courses.
ELT 130 - Microcomputer Hardware Systems: Good for beginners who want to learn more about computer hardware and how it works. No prerequisite, but electronics background or ELT 101 or 107 is recommended.
New Courses
ELT 108 - Home Technology Integration 3:2:2 Prereq: ELT 101 or ELT 107 or equivalent ELT 114 - Residential Wiring 3:2:2 (Effective Summer 2004) ELT 204 - Wireless Technology Integration (WTI) 3:2:2 (Effective Summer 2004) Prereq: ELT 130 and LAN 105 or equiv.

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ELT 108 - Home Technology Integration 3:2:2