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:

• distinguish between circuit-switched and IP based phone systems
• name the different Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) protocols provided to residential and small business customers
• analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain state-of-the-art data communications equipment found within Ethernet LANS along with Broadband, VoIP and Wireless solutions
• install, troubleshoot, and maintain copper and fiber optic cable systems in outside plant applications
• install, troubleshoot, and maintain UTP, STP, Coaxial and Fiber Optic cabling infrastructures for customer premise applications
• install, program, and maintain the features of Central Office switching systems and transport equipment and the interconnectivity of these systems
• interpret communication cabling infrastructure diagrams and identification systems including cable pair color coding
• install, maintain, and troubleshoot telephone switching and peripheral devices in residential as well as small business service areas
• safely use ladders, bucket trucks, and other equipment necessary to maintain aerial cabling and/or buried cable infrastructure
• coordinate activities with competitive local exchange carriers and other carriers
• classify the appropriate protocol for present day Cellular voice and broadband networks and their common back-haul technologies
• practice the 5S approach for visual order, organization, cleanliness and standardization
• work both independently and as an integral part of a technical team
• produce concise correspondence, reports, instructions, and proposals that will be effective in a technical work setting
• independently maintain and improve upon both technical skill level and knowledge of current technology
• communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and co-workers
  

Program Skills:

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• 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 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 competitive local exchange carriers
  
  

Career Opportunities:

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

Industry-wide, the communications 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.

Program Admission:

To apply for acceptance into the Communications Technician Certificate program at MTC,

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 suggested by COMPASS results are also required.
4. COMPASS math score of 41 or above required to take the first algebra course in the engineering program

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.