Radio Repair Schools and Courses
Radio technicians repair professional telecommunications equipment as well as consumer goods. Learn how to train in radio repair via an electronics technology degree program. Get info on choosing a school, and find out what technical skills you'll gain.
What You Need To Know
<p>Radio technicians need a combination of two years of education and hands-on training, which you can find at technical or community colleges. Make sure the program you choose has the latest tools and technology, as this is a rapidly changing field. Look for practical experience as early as possible to gain useful experience.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Schools</b></td><td> Some high schools offer programs; technical or community colleges</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Electronics; Radio Repair; Schematics; Electronic Calculations; Technical Mathematics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensing</b></td><td> Required to work in FCC-regulated industries</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudyInRadioRepairSchool">What Will I Study in Radio Repair School?</h3>
<p>As an aspiring radio technician, you'll need to spend two years in an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Electronics_and_Computer_Technology_Associates_Degree.html">electronics technology</a> associate's degree program at a technical or community college. Online programs might be available, but they are rare. During your program, you might cover some of the following course topics:
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<ul><li>AC/DC fundamentals
</li><li>Electronic calculations programming
</li><li>Industrial safety
</li><li>Electronic servicing
</li><li>Repair and troubleshooting techniques
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatShouldILookForInASchool">What Should I Look for in a School?</h3>
<p>Since you'll get hands-on training, make sure the school's equipment is up to date. Also, look for programs that place a great deal of emphasis on radio repair, since electronics technology programs focus on other areas too.
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<p>If you're going to work in the aviation and marine industries, you'll need to look for schools that prepare you for licensure exams administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For example, you'll need a General Radiotelephone Operator License to repair and maintain radiotelephone transmitters licensed by the FCC. FCC licensing exams focus on topics such as basic electronics fundamentals, radio law and maintenance procedures.
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<p>These schools offer radio repair courses:
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<ul><li>Capitol Technology University (Laurel, MD)
</li><li>Cleveland Institute of Electronics (OH)
</li><li>Grantham University (Lenexa, KS)
</li><li>New River Community College (Dublin, Virginia)
</li><li>Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatElseCanIDoToPrepareForThisCareer">What Else Can I Do to Prepare for This Career?</h3>
<p>If you're still in high school, you can enroll in a 2-year electronics or electrical program, provided your school offers one. College-level math courses will also help you. You can take some advanced placement computer science courses to help you out as well. The majority of employers prefer applicants with computer experience anyway, so it's a good idea to learn as much as you can as early as possible.
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<p>Finally, some skills you'll need for on-the-job success include excellent problem-solving and mechanical abilities. You'll also need good communication skills when it comes to interacting with customers. Depending on the job, you might need to be in good physical condition, especially if you need to climb poles and radio towers to do some repair work.</p>