Online Building Maintenance Technology Degree Programs

<p>Building maintenance technology is offered as an on-campus associate degree program. If you're interested in online options, consider looking into a facilities management certificate program. Many college extension centers offer this certificate program online. The significant difference between the fields is the focus on whole building management offered in a certificate program or maintenance and repair training covered in an associate degree program. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Programs</b></td><td> On-campus A.S. degree programs offered; facilities management certificate programs available online</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Certificate</b></td><td> Train you on building operations, making cost-effective decisions, business, management and maintenance</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> HVAC systems, air quality, microgrids, financial accounting</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Associate's Programs</b></td><td> Focus on developing maintenance, repair and installation skills</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Welding, plumbing, heating, preventative maintenance, blueprint reading</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> Not required for work as facility manager, but beneficial; the International Facility Management Association offers a suitable credential if required</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$40,850 <i>(General Maintenance and Repair Workers)</i></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>4% growth <i>(General Maintenance and Repair Workers)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInTheOnlineCertificateProgram">What Will I Learn In The Online Certificate Program?</h3> <p>Online certificate programs train you on the aspects of building operations, including making cost-efficient decisions, discovering business technologies and learning how to repair building systems. Your courses integrate the studies of business, management and maintenance. Many of these online programs provide you with the knowledge you'll need for certification. Topics you'll learn include: </p> <ul><li>HVAC systems </li><li>Air quality </li><li>Sustainability </li><li>Wireless communications </li><li>Building codes </li><li>Facility operations </li><li>Microgrids </li><li>Waste management and recycling </li><li>Financial accounting </li><li>Energy management </li><li>Fire protection and safety procedures </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudyInADegreeProgram">What Will I Study in a Degree Program?</h3> <p>Associate degree programs in building maintenance technology focus on developing your maintenance, repair and installation skills. You'll study HVAC in-depth and learn how to maintain boilers and repair electrical wiring. Other skills you'll learn include welding, plumbing and working with pneumatic controls. Courses cover natural gas, heating, refrigeration, heat pump, cooling control, and motorized systems, as well as how to conduct preventative maintenance. Administrative topics include communications, technical writing, blueprint reading and estimating costs. </p> <h3 id="section---IsCertificationNecessary">Is Certification Necessary?</h3> <p>While certification isn't required to work as a facility manager, it's beneficial to provide future employers with proof of your skills. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers a Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential (<i>www.ifmacredentials.org</i>). The examination to earn the CFM certification is a 4-hour, 180-question test. Certification is valid for three years and requires you to complete continuing education or professional involvement tasks to renew the credential.</p>