Need a quick snapshot of what our Electromechanical Technology programs offer? Check out our FAQs below.
The demand for skilled Electromechanical Technicians continues to increase, and getting started at NCC is a cost-effective way to maximize your potential in the field. If you're unsure if this is the path for you, check out some of our frequently asked questions below to get more information about the degree, career outlook, articulation agreements and program requirments. If you have more questions, or would like to visit our site, please call 610-332-6262; M-F. 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., or email our Program Managers, Gary George (ggeorge@northampton.edu) & Rick Wolff (rwolff@northampton.edu). We look forward to working together!
Is the program offered full-time and part-time, and can I start in either the Fall or Spring?
The program is offered both full-time and part-time, provided the students follow the prescribed ordering of courses, and almost all classes are offered as an evening schedule.
What local companies have hired past graduates?
ABEC, Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Amazon, Avantor Performance Materials, B. Braun of America/B. Braun Medical, Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc., Bosch Rexroth Corp., Carpenter Technology Corp., Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of the Lehigh Valley, Crayola LLC (Binney & Smith), Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc., Flexicon Corp., Flexlink, Fresh Pet, Genus Lifesciences, Inc., Georgia Pacific (Dixie), Gerhart, Just Born Quality Confections, Just Born, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Lehigh Heavy Forge, Lehigh Valley Technologies, Nestle Purina Pet Care Co., Northampton Community College, Sam Adams, Sanofi Pasteur, Straight Arrow Products, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, West Rock Co. (Rock-Tenn)
What is the difference between a Specialized Diploma, Certificate, and Associate's in Applied Science?
A Specialized Diploma is a two-semester program; the Certificate is a three-semester program, and the Associates in Applied Science is a four-semester program. Each program is stackable, which means you can complete one program and transfer the credits into the next program in sequence. Wages would increase based on the program completed.
What is the average starting salary?
Specialized Diploma (Instrumentation Technician) - starting wage around $12-$14/hr.
Certificate (Machine Repair) - starting wage to $18/hr.
Associates in Applied Science (Electromechanical Technology) - starting wage between $18 -$28/ hour depending on company size, with larger companies offering $22-$28/hr.
What are the physical requirements with this career choice?
Maintenance mechanics can be expected to lift loads of 50 pounds regularly and long hours on your feet.
How much hands-on exposure is there?
There will be lectures and labs in the typical classroom, which vary by topic, averaging 50%-70% of hands-on lab time.
What are the career opportunities for this major?
- Specialized Diploma (Machine Repair) - Mechanics helper or apprentice/trainee, Machine Repairer, Industrial Machinery Mechanic, Maintenance Mechanic, Field Service Technician
- Certificate (Instrumentation Technician ) - Instrumentation technician helper, Chemical Equipment Maintenance, Biotech Equipment Maintenance, Electromechanical Equipment Assembler, Control Valve Installer/Repairer, Maintenance Technician, Water Waste Treatment Systems Maintenance.
- Associates in Applied Science (Electromechanical Technology) - Maintenance technician, Electromechanical Technician, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation Technician, Maintenance Supervisor
What is the career placement percentage?
Currently, there is more than 100% placement. However, that is dependent upon the job market and an individual’s employability. With current business trends, there are more jobs available than students to fill those jobs, partly due to the existing workforce aging out, leading to higher starting salaries.
Are there online course options within this program?
- The 2-semester machine repair does not offer any online components.
- The three-semester process control technician only offers 1 online course (EMEC130: Introduction to Process Control) and physics (PHYS101).
- The 2-year associate's degree would offer only EMEC130 in the core classes; however, many non-core classes will offer an online version of the coursework, such as English courses and Arts, Humanities, History, and Mathematics, and Sciences dependent upon the student’s choice.
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Reviewed our FAQ's and think this may not be the program for you? Check out some of the related programs that our students have pursued instead.