The National Center for Education Statistics defines the fields of electrical, electronic, and communications engineering technologies as programs “that prepare individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. Includes instruction in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing, systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation”. Other pertinent electrical engineering technology disciplines include applied electrical skills in the areas of circuit design, maintenance, automation, and systems calibration. The Electrical Engineering Technology program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure gainful employment in manufacturing industries, telecommunications, and healthcare, to name a few. Skills emphasized in the program include, but are not limited to: AC and DC circuitry, programmable logic controller programming, robotics programming, biomedical equipment calibration and repair, and maintenance in an advanced automation setting.
The AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology was developed in compliance with the Complete College Tennessee Act of 2010. Students who begin this program at Walters State Community College and transfer to another Tennessee public community college are guaranteed their credits will transfer toward completion of the AAS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology.
In compliance with the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) accreditation requirements, all students graduating from the AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of management and/or technical coursework at Walters State Community College as a requirement for graduation.
The Electrical Engineering Technology degree program contains three specialization areas. Students are required to choose one specialization area from the three provided: Biomedical Equipment, Automation, and Electromechanical.
Biomedical Equipment Specialization:
The biomedical equipment specialization is designed to prepare the graduate to fill an important role in this specialized medical field. Biomedical equipment, which is vital to human life, is found in clinics, hospitals, and many doctors’ offices. The complex and highly specialized equipment in these facilities is valued in millions of dollars. The Biomedical Equipment Technology program prepares the student to meet the demands of this exacting profession by teaching them the electronics skills needed to inspect, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair medical equipment. Computer Networking courses are also part of the curriculum, as technicians are often responsible for the transmission of data from biomedical equipment to computer stations through local and wide area networks.
Students with higher education credit that is not readily transferable can still be awarded credit through a departmental transcript review or through departmental proficiency examinations. Students must meet with a program advisor to request the transcript review or proficiency examinations.
This program and its specialization areas are designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science
Emphasis: Electrical Engineering Technology
Specialization: Biomedical Equipment