RCAM Electrical Technology

Program Description

The Electrical Technology program prepares individuals for employment as electricians in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The program stresses wiring procedures and requirements set forth by the National Electrical Code. Emphasis is placed on the installation of service equipment, electrical circuits, conduit bending and installation, electrical power distribution, and operation/control of motors.

After completing program requirements, students should be academically prepared to take the Journeyman Wireman Examination.

How to Apply

A student desiring to pursue a certificate in Electrical Technology must:

  • Submit the Northeast State Application for Admission with a application fee to the Office of Admissions and Records.
  • Indicate Electrical Technology as the desired major on the Northeast State application form.
  • Meet with an Electrical Technology program faculty advisor prior to registering for classes.

Course Requirements

Students enrolling in the Electrical Technology program must also complete required General Education Courses.

Electrical Technology Course descriptions

Fall Semester

ELEC 1110 - DC Fundamentals Credits: 4
ENGL 1010 - Composition I Credits: 3
MATH 1050 - Trigonometric Applications Credits: 4
MECH 1210 - Mechanical Transmissions Credits: 4
SPCH 1300 - Speech Communication Credits: 3
or
SPCH 2300 - Public Speaking Credits: 3

Spring Semester

ELEC 1120 - AC Fundamentals Credits: 4
ELEC 1310 - Motors, Alternators and Generators Credits: 4
MECH 2330 - Piping and Auxiliaries Credits: 4
MECH 2610 - Millwright Principles Credits: 4

Fall Semester

ELEC 2210 - Magnetic Motor Controls Credits: 4
MECH 2310 - Hydraulics and Pneumatics I Credits: 4
PHYS 1030 - Introduction to Physics Credits: 4
or
PSCI 1010 - Physical Science I (Physics and Chemistry) Credits: 4

Spring Semester

Elective - Humanities Elective Credits: 3
Elective - Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective: 3
ELEC 2410 - Allen-Bradley PLC Programming Credits: 4
WELD 1060 - General Welding Credits: 4

Total Credit Hours - 60

Additional courses may be required to overcome deficiencies in English, mathematics, and reading.

Typical Job Opportunities

  • Maintenance Electrician: Installs and maintains various types of electrical equipment.
  • Residential Electrician: Installs wiring systems in private dwellings.
  • Electrical Supply Sales Representative: Markets and sells electrical supplies to business, industry, and general contractors.
  • Construction Electrician: Installs wiring systems in industrial and commercial buildings.
  • Lineman: Installs and maintains wiring systems for electrical power distributors.

Typical Starting Salaries

Although beginning salaries may vary depending on individual company policies, the typical starting salary for chemical process operators in the Northeast Tennessee region is between and per hour.

Program Competencies

The Electrical Technology graduate is competent to:

  • Follow appropriate safety procedures and be able to recognize and avoid hazards including requirements of NFPA 70E.
  • Install, troubleshoot and maintain electrical conductors and equipment likely to be encountered in residential, commercial and industrial environments.
  • Apply wiring procedures and requirements set forth by the National Electrical Code.
  • Calculate and measure the electrical and electronic circuit parameters using test equipment and computer applications.
  • Install and troubleshoot circuits for the operation and control of motors, alternators and generators.
  • Install and troubleshoot solid-state devices such as PLC's and variable frequency drives and perform basic programming for each.
  • Demonstrate appropriate written and oral communication skills in the technical industry.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills in finding solutions to technical and human relation problems in the electrical industry.
  • Demonstrate work ethic traits including attendance, character, teamwork, appearance, attitude, communication, cooperation and respect to enhance their value as employees.

Five-Year Average Placement Rate is 96%

Median Salary* is ,060

*Source:Tennessee Career Information Delivery System.

For More Information

Please contact the following individuals for more information about this program:

Sam Rowell, Interim Dean, Technical Education
423.354.2582
ssrowell@NortheastState.edu

Fred Cope, Associate Professor, Electrical Technology
423.354.2442
fmcope@NortheastState.edu

Steve Smith, Instructor, Electrical Technology
423.354.2410
srsmith@NortheastState.edu