From smoke signals to vast networks of interrelated computer networks, man is always on the lookout for methods of communicating data and information faster. More efficiently. With less cost.

MTC offers an associate degree program Communications for individuals interested in careers in communications.

Marion Technical College covers the proper subjects, provides the proper course materials, and provides the certified instructor which has enabled Marion Tech to be approved and certified as a Fiber Optic Association (FOA) training program. The Certified Fiber Optic Technician Certification is available via this Marion Tech course.

Through a close collaboration with Verizon (formerly GTE) of Marion and research on changing trends within the telecom field, the College has creating a hands-on curriculum based on current-need workplace skills as suggested by local employers and users of communications services.

Core program courses will be delivered in a communications Lab and taught by faculty with a variety of backgrounds – all with communications expertise. Additionally, outdoor technology areas are being developed to simulate actual workplace conditions.

Program graduates will have integrated skills in mathematics, electronics, applied computer science, occupational safety, communications, and more.

Internship or work experiences will be included as part of the program curriculum.

MTC is the only two-year college in the state of Ohio to offer this type of training. The program has reached an agreement with Verizon to share training materials (the only such arrangement Verizon has ever sanctioned), and has been developed in conjunction with input from the Ohio Telecommunications Industry Association (OTIA) to assure that graduates have ‘‘universal’’ skills applicable to job opportunities throughout the industry.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• demonstrate a working knowledge of T-1 digital phone systems, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) in all its forms and applications
  
• demonstrate the ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain state-of-the-art data communications equipment found within Ethernet LANS and other network topologies
  
• install, troubleshoot, and maintain fiber optic cable systems in outside plant applications as well as inside plant applications
  
• install, troubleshoot, and maintain UTP, STP, and Coaxial data systems
  
• demonstrate knowledge of Central Office switching systems and equipment, and how to install, program, and maintain features and interconnectivity of these systems
  
• demonstrate knowledge of state-of-the-art data communication modes such as VOlP, Broadband, and Wireless technologies
  
• analyze and solve technical problems using creative thinking and problem solving techniques
  
• perform acceptance testing of communication equipment in the cabling infrastructure, and locate and repair detected faults
  
• interpret communication cabling infrastructure diagrams and identification systems including cable pair color coding
  
• install, maintain, and troubleshoot telephone devices in residential service as well as small business areas
  
• demonstrate the ability to safely handle ladders, bucket trucks, and other equipment necessary to maintain communication aerial cabling and/or buried cable infrastructure
  
• provide basic maintenance and operational support of enterprise communications systems and services
  
• communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and co-workers
  
• work effectively as a member of a technical team
• coordinate activities with competive local exhange carriers

In the U.S., more than 260,000 individuals are employed by the telecommunications industry as, installers, lineworkers, cablers, and repair specialists. More than ninety percent (95%) of these professionals work for telephone communications companies, but some work for independent repair organizations, small specialty ‘‘shops,’’ or as industry consultants.

Industry-wide, the Communications industry is cylcing through highs and lows in employment. Labor data predicts a cumulative national increase in the number of jobs of more than 20 percent through the year 2010. Ohio’s projections are more modest with a projected increase of around 14 percent over the same time period.

As new technologies develop, education and training opportunities will allow skilled individuals to move into more focused positions, or take advantage of related job fields.

1. Completed and submitted the MTC Application for Admission and nonrefundable application fee.
   
2. Provided official final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable).with posted graduation date or passing GED results.
   
3. Successful completion of the Basic Skills Assessment (COMPASS) and Technology Skills Test is required. Any college foundation courses recommended by COMPASS results are also required.
   

Transfer students to MTC must qualify in accordance with current admission criteria.

If required, Foundation Courses are available to help you meet any specialized program admission requirements.

Cooperative education is a learning experience which integrates the student's academic field of study with work experience in business, industry, government, social service, and/or the professions. An arrangement is established by which students receive college credit for structured, on-the-job learning experiences related to their academic field.

Students in Engineering Technologies are encouraged to pursue co-op opportunities, earning invaluable workplace experience.

Students must gain approval from the Department Dean for co-op coursework/experiences.. Upon successful completion of the co-op course, the credit hours earned will fill elective requirements and/or serve as a course substitution on an approval basis. To learn more about co-op, contact the Department Dean.