Electrical Technician

  • 12 Months
  • 120 Course Hours

Overview

Start a Career as an Electrical Technician

Possibly the most important source of power that we rely on is electricity. Electricity powers our computers, drives the machines tools in a manufacturing shop, and lights the facility. To maintain all this electrical equipment, employees must understand the fundamentals of electricity and the components used to generate, control, and store it.  The Electrical Technician program provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for electrical maintenance, including math, inspection, safety, quality, electrical systems, automation, motor controls, and assembly. Get started in this accelerated online course today and begin your career as an electrical technician!

 

What you will learn

  • Electrical Systems
  • Troubleshooting
  • Six Sigma, 5S, Lean, and TPM
  • GD&T
  • Production Floor Safety
  • PLC Equipment and Communication 
  • Robot Maintenance and Installation

How you will benefit

  • Prepare for a career as an electrical technician, wireman, maintenance electrician, control electrician, industrial electrician, or journeyman electrician
  • Gain confidence in your ability to perform your job

How this course is taught

  • This is a non-credit program offered in partnership with ed2go.  You do not have to be admitted to the university to enroll in this program. 
  • This is an open enrollment program, which means you can enroll and start at any time.  There are no set start and end dates. 
  • This course is entirely online and can be completed at a pace and time that is convenient for you.  There are not set times you must attend classes.  
  • You will have 12-months from the date of enrollment to complete this program.  

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to take this course.


Job Outlook

Getting on board with this promising career path may be a wise decision.  Employment of electricians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. As homes and businesses continue to require wiring, electricians will be needed to install the necessary components.

Earn $46,000+ annually
According to ZipRecruiter, certified Electricians can earn around $41,000 per year on average.
 
Expected 10% Job Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10% job growth rate for Electrical Technician jobs from 2018 - 2028.  

 

Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

  • Mac users may experience some issues with Adobe Flash.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows XP or later.
  • Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.


 

Curriculum

Math
Math Fundamentals 101
Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
Units of Measurement 112
Basics of Tolerance 121
Blueprint Reading 131
Geometry: Lines and Angles 151
Geometry: Triangles 161
Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
Statistics 231
 
Inspection
Basic Measurement 101
Introduction to GD&T 301
Major Rules of GD&T 311
Inspecting a Prismatic Part 321
Inspecting a Cylindrical Part 331
 
Safety
Intro to OSHA 101
Personal Protective Equipment 111
Noise Reduction and Hearing Conservation 121
Respiratory Safety 131
Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
SDS and Hazard Communication 151
Bloodborne Pathogens 161
Walking and Working Surfaces 171
Fire Safety and Prevention 181
Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
Ergonomics 102
Safety for Lifting Devices 211
Powered Industrial Truck Safety 221
Confined Spaces 231
Environmental Safety Hazards 241
Machine Guarding 140
 
Quality and Manufacturing Management
Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
Essentials of Leadership 110
Essentials of Communication 120
ISO 9001: 2015 Review 122
Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part I 124
Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part II 125
Managing Performance: Best Practices 130
Approaches to Maintenance 131
Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
Total Productive Maintenance 141
Conflict Resolution Principles 150
5S Overview 151
Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
Team Leadership 160
Intro to Six Sigma 171
Quality and Customer Service 175
Manufacturing Management 180
Troubleshooting 181
Personal Effectiveness 190
Conducting Kaizen Events 191
Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
SPC Overview 211
Harassment and Discrimination 215
TS 16949:2009 Overview 221
Interpreting Blueprints 230
Performance Management and the Law 230
Metrics for Lean 231
Process Flow Charting 241
Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
Preventative Maintenance for Fluid Systems 261
Management Tools: Problem Solving 270
Six Sigma Goals and Tools 310
 
Machining
Safety for Metal Cutting 101
Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
Introduction to CAD and CAM for Machining 241
 
Electrical/Mechanical Systems and Motor Controls
Electrical Units 101
Safety for Electrical Work 111
Forces of Machines 121
Introduction to Circuits 201
Relays, Contactors, and Motor Starters 201
Introduction to Magnetism 211
DC Circuit Components 221
Distribution Systems 221
NEC Overview 231
AC Fundamentals 241
Electrical Instruments 251
Electrical Print Reading 261
DC Power Sources 271
AC Power Sources 281
Conductor Selection 291
Series Circuit Calculations 301
Introduction to Electric Motors 301
Parallel Circuit Calculations 311
Symbols and Diagrams for Motors 311
Logic and Line Diagrams 312
Battery Selection 321
Limit Switches and Proximity Sensors 360
 
PLCs
Basics of Siemens PLCs 200
Intro to PLCs 200
Siemens PLC Hardware 210
Hardware for PLCs 210
Siemens PLC Communication 230
Networking for PLCs 270
Siemens PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
Siemens Human Machine Interfaces 250
Siemens SIMATIC Modular PLCs 260
Hand-Held Programmers of PLCs 280
Overview of PLC Registers 305
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLCs 340
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs 350
Siemens Safety Integrated for Factory Automation 360
 
Automation
Automated Systems and Control 135
Robot Troubleshooting 160
Robot Maintenance 170
Robot Installations 230
Industrial Network Integration 260
 
Fasteners
Intro to Fastener Threads 110
Overview of Threaded Fasteners 117
Tools for Threaded Fasteners 120
Overview of Non-Threaded Fasteners 125
Intro to Fastener Ergonomics 130
Properties for Fasteners 200
Understanding Torque 210
Threaded Fastener Selection 215

 

Instructor

This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.


 

FAQs

WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN DO?  

As an electrical technician, your duties are to install, test, and inspect electrical components, equipment, and systems. Electrical technicians work in numerous industries, including construction, electrical engineering, communications, and computer manufacturing. Your specific responsibilities vary depending on the industry, but typically, you help assemble electrical systems, measure electrical output, capacity, and other issues, and calibrate the system to work correctly. You also repair faulty systems and equipment. Some electrical technicians work in manufacturing facilities, while other travel to construction sites or customer’s homes or offices to install and troubleshoot electrical equipment.

DO I HAVE TO BE ADMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
No, you do not have to be an admitted student to Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.  Our online non-credit advanced career training programs are open to all. 
 
WHEN CAN I START THE COURSE? 
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
 
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE? 
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive 12-months to complete the course.
 
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE MY COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED? 
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
 
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?  
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will also be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
 
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COMPLETE THE COURSE? 
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Mississippi State University Extension.
 
AM I GUARANTEED A JOB?  
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
 
CAN I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?  
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some cases, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available, to learn more go to: https://www.ed2go.com/career/financial-assistance
 
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS COURSE?  
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-662-325-5002 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Request More Info" form.

Overview

Start a Career as an Electrical Technician

Possibly the most important source of power that we rely on is electricity. Electricity powers our computers, drives the machines tools in a manufacturing shop, and lights the facility. To maintain all this electrical equipment, employees must understand the fundamentals of electricity and the components used to generate, control, and store it.  The Electrical Technician program provides an intensive overview of skills necessary for electrical maintenance, including math, inspection, safety, quality, electrical systems, automation, motor controls, and assembly. Get started in this accelerated online course today and begin your career as an electrical technician!

 

What you will learn

  • Electrical Systems
  • Troubleshooting
  • Six Sigma, 5S, Lean, and TPM
  • GD&T
  • Production Floor Safety
  • PLC Equipment and Communication 
  • Robot Maintenance and Installation

How you will benefit

  • Prepare for a career as an electrical technician, wireman, maintenance electrician, control electrician, industrial electrician, or journeyman electrician
  • Gain confidence in your ability to perform your job

How this course is taught

  • This is a non-credit program offered in partnership with ed2go.  You do not have to be admitted to the university to enroll in this program. 
  • This is an open enrollment program, which means you can enroll and start at any time.  There are no set start and end dates. 
  • This course is entirely online and can be completed at a pace and time that is convenient for you.  There are not set times you must attend classes.  
  • You will have 12-months from the date of enrollment to complete this program.  

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to take this course.


Job Outlook

Getting on board with this promising career path may be a wise decision.  Employment of electricians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. As homes and businesses continue to require wiring, electricians will be needed to install the necessary components.

Earn $46,000+ annually
According to ZipRecruiter, certified Electricians can earn around $41,000 per year on average.
 
Expected 10% Job Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10% job growth rate for Electrical Technician jobs from 2018 - 2028.  

 

Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

  • Mac users may experience some issues with Adobe Flash.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows XP or later.
  • Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Flash Player. Click here to download the Flash Player.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.


 

Curriculum

Math
Math Fundamentals 101
Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
Units of Measurement 112
Basics of Tolerance 121
Blueprint Reading 131
Geometry: Lines and Angles 151
Geometry: Triangles 161
Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
Statistics 231
 
Inspection
Basic Measurement 101
Introduction to GD&T 301
Major Rules of GD&T 311
Inspecting a Prismatic Part 321
Inspecting a Cylindrical Part 331
 
Safety
Intro to OSHA 101
Personal Protective Equipment 111
Noise Reduction and Hearing Conservation 121
Respiratory Safety 131
Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
SDS and Hazard Communication 151
Bloodborne Pathogens 161
Walking and Working Surfaces 171
Fire Safety and Prevention 181
Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
Ergonomics 102
Safety for Lifting Devices 211
Powered Industrial Truck Safety 221
Confined Spaces 231
Environmental Safety Hazards 241
Machine Guarding 140
 
Quality and Manufacturing Management
Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
Essentials of Leadership 110
Essentials of Communication 120
ISO 9001: 2015 Review 122
Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part I 124
Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part II 125
Managing Performance: Best Practices 130
Approaches to Maintenance 131
Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
Total Productive Maintenance 141
Conflict Resolution Principles 150
5S Overview 151
Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
Team Leadership 160
Intro to Six Sigma 171
Quality and Customer Service 175
Manufacturing Management 180
Troubleshooting 181
Personal Effectiveness 190
Conducting Kaizen Events 191
Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
SPC Overview 211
Harassment and Discrimination 215
TS 16949:2009 Overview 221
Interpreting Blueprints 230
Performance Management and the Law 230
Metrics for Lean 231
Process Flow Charting 241
Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
Preventative Maintenance for Fluid Systems 261
Management Tools: Problem Solving 270
Six Sigma Goals and Tools 310
 
Machining
Safety for Metal Cutting 101
Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
Introduction to CAD and CAM for Machining 241
 
Electrical/Mechanical Systems and Motor Controls
Electrical Units 101
Safety for Electrical Work 111
Forces of Machines 121
Introduction to Circuits 201
Relays, Contactors, and Motor Starters 201
Introduction to Magnetism 211
DC Circuit Components 221
Distribution Systems 221
NEC Overview 231
AC Fundamentals 241
Electrical Instruments 251
Electrical Print Reading 261
DC Power Sources 271
AC Power Sources 281
Conductor Selection 291
Series Circuit Calculations 301
Introduction to Electric Motors 301
Parallel Circuit Calculations 311
Symbols and Diagrams for Motors 311
Logic and Line Diagrams 312
Battery Selection 321
Limit Switches and Proximity Sensors 360
 
PLCs
Basics of Siemens PLCs 200
Intro to PLCs 200
Siemens PLC Hardware 210
Hardware for PLCs 210
Siemens PLC Communication 230
Networking for PLCs 270
Siemens PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
Siemens Human Machine Interfaces 250
Siemens SIMATIC Modular PLCs 260
Hand-Held Programmers of PLCs 280
Overview of PLC Registers 305
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLCs 340
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs 350
Siemens Safety Integrated for Factory Automation 360
 
Automation
Automated Systems and Control 135
Robot Troubleshooting 160
Robot Maintenance 170
Robot Installations 230
Industrial Network Integration 260
 
Fasteners
Intro to Fastener Threads 110
Overview of Threaded Fasteners 117
Tools for Threaded Fasteners 120
Overview of Non-Threaded Fasteners 125
Intro to Fastener Ergonomics 130
Properties for Fasteners 200
Understanding Torque 210
Threaded Fastener Selection 215

 

Instructor

This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.


 

FAQs

WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN DO?  

As an electrical technician, your duties are to install, test, and inspect electrical components, equipment, and systems. Electrical technicians work in numerous industries, including construction, electrical engineering, communications, and computer manufacturing. Your specific responsibilities vary depending on the industry, but typically, you help assemble electrical systems, measure electrical output, capacity, and other issues, and calibrate the system to work correctly. You also repair faulty systems and equipment. Some electrical technicians work in manufacturing facilities, while other travel to construction sites or customer’s homes or offices to install and troubleshoot electrical equipment.

DO I HAVE TO BE ADMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
No, you do not have to be an admitted student to Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.  Our online non-credit advanced career training programs are open to all. 
 
WHEN CAN I START THE COURSE? 
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
 
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE? 
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive 12-months to complete the course.
 
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE MY COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED? 
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
 
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?  
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will also be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
 
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COMPLETE THE COURSE? 
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Mississippi State University Extension.
 
AM I GUARANTEED A JOB?  
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
 
CAN I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?  
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some cases, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available, to learn more go to: https://www.ed2go.com/career/financial-assistance
 
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS COURSE?  
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-662-325-5002 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Request More Info" form.

Registration Information

The Electrical Technician program is 100% online and allows you to enroll at any time.  After enrolling you will have 12-months to complete the program at a pace that is convenient for you.  You can get started today by clicking the "Enroll Now" button below and completing your registration at our partner ed2go site.