Because many individuals are simply looking to add to or expand on their occupational skills sets, or complete an organized curriculum in a relatively short period of time, Marion Technical College offers Certificate Programs to satisfy certain short-term training needs.

Certificate options are created by identifying core ‘‘needs’’ in the local workforce and offering concentrated curriculum blocks to accommodate the schedules of working adults.

Typically, a certificate program at MTC can be completed in one year (three quarters of full-time study), and many of the courses will apply toward later associate degree work to the extent that they are required in a specific program or as appropriate elective courses.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• analyze and solve technical problems using creative thinking and problem solving techniques
  
• perform acceptance testing of telecommunication equipment in the cabling infrastructure, and locate and repair detected faults
  
• interpret telecommunication cabling infrastructure diagrams and identification systems including cable pair color coding
  
• install, maintain, and troubleshoot telephone systems in residential service as well as small business areas
  
• demonstrate the ability to safely handle ladders, bucket trucks, and other equipment necessary to maintain telecommunication aerial cabling and/or buried cable infrastructure
  
• provide basic maintenance of EPBAX communications systems
  
• communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and co-workers
  
• work effectively as a member of a technical team

In the U.S., more than 260,000 individuals are employed by the telecommunications industry as, installers, lineworkers, cablers, and repair specialists. Certificate-level training will prepare graduates for these types of positions.

Industry-wide, the telecommunications industry is cycling 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.

To apply for acceptance into the Telecommunications Certificate program at MTC, applicants must have:

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 test (COMPASS) is highly recommended.

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.