College of DuPage Offers New Radio Frequency Technician Certificate

College of DuPage is offering a new Radio Frequency Technician certificate program that trains students in the installation, maintenance and testing of radio frequency communication systems.

Recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board and beginning in the spring semester, the program will provide students with a basic understanding of wireless communication theory and signal processing techniques. Students will also work with radio frequency engineers on troubleshooting and diagnosing typical problems as well as the testing and debugging of test circuit boards.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of technicians is expected to grow 7 percent by 2018.

“Two of the most important jobs in this field are installing and maintaining equipment, which can done in a wide variety of work settings, ” said Branislav Rosul, Professor and Coordinator of the Electronics Technology and Electro-Mechanical Technology programs.

The 34 credit-hour certificate is part of the Electronics Technology program and is one of several certificates, including Renewable Energy Technology and Digital Logic Devices Programming, which offer students the core competency skills to repair, install and troubleshoot a specialization. These certificates are ideal for students who have earned either their associate's or bachelor's degree and want to add to their skills.

“Many of our students earn more than one certificate,” Rosul said. “Quite a few students seeking certificates have already completed their general education requirements and want additional options for career advancement. They come to us because of the options we offer and because of our state-of-the-art labs that provide training on equipment they see in the workplace.”

For more information about the Radio Frequency Technician certificate program, contact Bridget McFarland at (630) 942-8419 or email mcfarl@cod.edu.