What Classes Are Required to Become an Instrumentation Technician?

<p>In most cases, when you want to become an instrumentation technician, you will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certification that qualifies you to work in that field. Instrumentation technology is basically an engineering occupation, so most of the required classes to become an instrumentation technician will focus on practical questions. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutInstrumentationTechnicianPrograms">Important Facts About Instrumentation Technician Programs</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Degree/Certificate Levels </td><td>Associate's degree, undergraduate certificate</td></tr> <tr><td>Common Courses </td><td>Electronics, Physics, Algebra, Machining</td></tr> <tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> Electrical and Instrumentation Technician, Electrician, Instrument Technician, Process Control Technician</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability </td><td>Unavailable due to hands-on work and lab training</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 4% decline <i>(for electro-mechanical technicians)</i></td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $60,360 <i>(for electro-mechanical technicians)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---ScienceAndMathematicsClasses">Science and Mathematics Classes</h3> <p>Some science classes will help you develop foundational skills necessary to becoming an instrumentation technician. You should expect these to include: </p> <ul><li><b>Algebra:</b> You'll need to be able to demonstrate proficiency in intermediate-level algebraic mathematics. </li><li><b>Introductory Physics:</b> Being an instrumentation technician will require at least a passing familiarity with basic physics concepts. These include electricity, mechanics, and heat. </li></ul><h3 id="section---IndustrialTechnologyAndCircuitryClasses">Industrial Technology and Circuitry Classes</h3> <p>In coursework about industrial technology, you may encounter courses on <b>pneumatics</b>, <b>hydraulics</b>, and <b>welding</b>. Much of your studying, though, will teach you how to work with and use electricity safely. The courses will likely include the following: </p> <ul><li><b>Electrical Code:</b> You'll learn the industrial specifications and best practices around electricity. This is useful, since many instrumentation technicians work with high-voltage equipment. </li><li><b>Electrical Systems:</b> These courses will tell you how AC and DC electricity works and is used. </li><li><b>Circuitry:</b> Here you'll learn about basic circuit theory: voltages, currents, and electrical components. </li><li><b>Conduits and Raceways:</b> Conduits and raceways are the piping systems that carry electrical cable. You'll learn to lay them out and bend them in order to install new equipment. </li></ul><h3 id="section---ComputerSkillsClasses">Computer Skills Classes</h3> <p>You won't need to be a computer genius, but you do need to understand the computer logic that goes into machines used by instrumentation technicians. You may take the following courses to become more familiar with computers: </p> <ul><li><b>Computer Electronics:</b> These classes build on your knowledge of electricity and circuitry to show you how to program computers, interface with them, and diagnose problems. </li><li><b>Programmable Logic:</b> This class will teach you about <i>programmable logic controllers</i>, the computers used to automate work in industry.</li></ul>