Electrician Technician

Degrees Offered: AAS
Limited Enrollment: Yes
Program Begins: Fall
Delivery Method: On Campus
Phone: 701-224-5651
Email: bsc.energy@bismarckstate.edu

Description

The Electrician Technician program at Bismarck State College prepares students for a career as a residential, commercial or industrial technician. Students receive a hands-on education, learning the tasks and skills they'll need to be successful in the workforce. This will include: electrical safety, electrical theory, wiring methods, and proper operation of a multimeter. Students will learn to read and navigate the National Electrical Code as well as other rules and regulations supplementary to it.

In the second year of the program students are exposed to more advanced industrial equipment and concepts. This includes a familiarization with blue-prints, motor controls, PLCs, electrical services, low voltage applications, three phase systems and the National Electrical Code.

This two-year program is offered entirely on-campus. Upon completion of the program, students will seek employment in industry as apprentice electricians to continue working towards becoming journeyman electricians.

Preparation

Electricians need mechanical aptitude and the ability to solve problems intuitively. Some knowledge of electricity prior to entering the program is helpful. Students may also benefit from backgrounds in high school algebra, physics, and basic computer literacy, plus good reading and interpersonal skills.

Requirements

Students who complete the curriculum requirements receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrician Technician.

Prospective students should be prepared to meet the physical requirements of work in this field. Fear of heights or color blindness may limit the graduate's employment opportunities. Many employers require entry-level applicants to pass a physical and drug test.

Special Costs

• Program Books: $500 per semester (Fall and Spring)
• Scientific Calculator
• Laptop Computer (PC and Windows operating system required)
  • All BSC courses use a Learning Management System (LMS) called Blackboard.
  • Examples: Chromebooks, Chrome OS devices, iPads, and mobile devices (iOS, Android phones, tablets)

Total Tool Cost: $700 - $1,200 

Career Opportunities

The Electrician Technician program prepares graduates who are well suited for careers as an apprentice electrician in either a residential, commercial, or industrial setting. Graduates may pursue careers as contractors installing, updating and repairing the electrical systems in residential and commercial structures. Graduates are also competent to work in industrial settings like power plants, refineries, manufacturing facilities, food processing facilities and any other similar work environment.