Instrumentation Technology
Overview
Instrumentation technology programs prepare people to help engineers design measuring tools and instruments.Instrumentation technology programs teach people how instruments are used to complete specific tasks. Students learn to build, calibrate, and maintain tools.
Instrumentation technology programs include topics such as:
- Instrumentation design and maintenance
- Calibration
- Design and production testing and scheduling
- Automated equipment functions
- Report writing
Schools
Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in instrumentation technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in instrumentation technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Automotive Engineering Technology
- Biomedical Technology
- Computational Mathematics
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Computer Science
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Electromechanical Engineering Technology
- Engineering Technology, General
- Mathematics
- Precision Crafting and Repair
- Process Technology
- Robotics Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
An associate degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Basic Electronics
- Digital Microprocessor Systems
- Electrical Circuits
- English Composition
- Instrumentation Electronics
- Process Controls
- Process Measurements
- Technical Math
- Technical Physics/Principles of Technology
Things to Know
Many jobs in this field require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.
Certifications are available from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
Plan to continue taking classes throughout your career to keep your skills up to date.
Schools
East Side Area
Big Bend Community College
- Industrial Systems Technology--Industrial Electrical
- Industrial Systems Technology--Industrial Electrical certificates
- Maintenance Mechanics
Wenatchee Valley College
- Industrial Technology--Electronics
Spokane Area
Spokane Community College
- Electrical Maintenance and Automation--Power Systems Maintenance Technician (BPA Approved Students Only)
Tacoma Area
Bates Technical College (Central/Mohler Campus)
- Industrial Electronics and Robotics Technician
Tri-Cities Area
Columbia Basin College
- Nuclear Technology--Instrumentation and Control Technician
Vancouver Area
Clark College
- Mechatronics--Instrumentation/Control Automation
West Side Area
Bellingham Technical College
- Instrumentation & Control Technology
Lower Columbia College
- Manufacturing--Process Manufacturing
Yakima Area
Perry Technical Institute
- Instrumentation & Industrial Automation Technology
Yakima Valley College
- Perry Instrumentation & Industrial Automation Technology