Objectives
The Low Voltage Technology program consists of 1200 hours of instruction (74 quarter credit hours) and is available in two schedules. Both the Day and Evening sessions require twelve months for completion on the basis of approximately 24 hours of instruction per week. All terms of the program are independent, thus the sequence in which they are offered to students may vary. The Institute employs a grading system based on one hundred percent. In the Low Voltage Technology program, these percentages are: 90 to 100 (3.5-4.0) - Excellent; 80 to 89 (2.75-3.45) – Good; 75 to 79 (2.0-2.7) - Satisfactory; Below 75 (0) - Failure.
This program is taught in a Blended format (didactic/lecture material and hands-on skills on-campus and on-line). It may also be offered residentially at selected campuses as conditions permit. As part of their materials, students receive a device which is fully compatible with the Learning Management System (LMS) used in the distance learning portion of courses.
Students will need approximately 24 hours per week for on-line instruction, activities and simulations and for on-campus lab work, with an additional six hours per week for reading assignments and other homework activities. Campus lab hours are 7-2 and 6-10. Students taking day labs need to plan on 1-2 lab sessions per week, based on course needs. Students taking evening labs need to plan on 2-3 lab sessions per week and an occasional Saturday lab from 8-2. Lab schedules will be distributed to students prior to the start of each term. Course materials, assignments, and homework are accessible in an asynchronous format 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week through the Learning Management System (LMS).
This program covers service and repair of a variety of low voltage and electronics systems. Students will develop an understanding of the theory and practical application related to alarm technology, telecommunications, cabling, home theater, CCTV, sound systems and opto electronics. Emphasis is placed on the low-voltage electrical code, safety, customer service and the use of diagnostic equipment.
The Low Voltage classrooms are equipped with the same kinds of equipment currently in use by businesses and industry. Computers, networks, peripheral equipment, power supplies, oscilloscopes, industrial controls, analytical equipment, communication devices, applicable software programs, and different kinds of electronics hand tools are used by the students.
The maximum number of students being taught in an on-line class is fifty and the maximum in lab is twenty-five.
Veterans’ Benefits are only available for the residential version of this program.
When a Blended delivery method is used, courses are delivered in a blended format, with lecture and hands-on components on-campus and on-line. When a residential delivery method is used, all courses are taught on-campus.
Graduates from this program will have sufficient knowledge and skill for entry-level employment as an electronics or low voltage technician. Graduates entering the field of low voltage technology are usually hired for positions that carry titles such as field engineer or field service technician (servicing equipment on the customer’s premises), production repair technician or factory service technician (repair of equipment at the place where it is manufactured), or electronic technician (a title that covers a variety of activities either in the field or at the factory). Typically, these positions are found in businesses in the following commercial or industrial areas:
- Burglar and Fire Alarms
- Telecommunications Equipment
- Cable TV
- Emergency Lighting
- Medical equipment
- Navigational (space, aeronautics, and marine)
- Home entertainment (TV, stereo, satellite)
- Computers
- Measurement and control instrumentation
- Soundstage
- Closed circuit television
Technology Requirements
For students who, under unusual circumstances, need to access the LMS using something other than their school issued laptop, the technology requirements are:
Microsoft: Windows 10 (Need to use Chrome Browser or Firefox - current versions as released only)
iOS Devices: Current iOS release as issued by Apple
Chrome OS: Current version of Chrome OS as released by Google
Required Software: PDF viewing software - Adobe Acrobat Reader recommended
Bandwidth: recommend minimum of 5Mbps download and 1Mbps upload as tested on www.speedtest.net
Required Tools, Books & Supplies
There are certain tools, books and supplies that students will need to successfully master the skills and information taught in their program. For the most part, this equipment consists of items that will also be used when the student graduates and begins work in their new occupation.
The Materials Fee covers all books, devices tools, instruments, uniforms, supplies, and other materials that the students will receive from PCI during the course of their attendance in their program. (Any E-books issued are usually permanent once the student downloads them to their device. On-line access is usually limited to one year commencing with the day the E-book is activated. E-book access limits are based on publisher requirements and not within PCI’s control. E-book license limits are subject to change by the publisher without notice.) The amount of the Student Services Fee is specified at the time the student submits his or her application. Even if costs increase, students will never pay more than the fee specified in their Enrollment Agreement.
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