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Automation & Mechatronics
Technician Certificates

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Short-term certificates for a high-tech career

Ohio University Lancaster offers two financial-aid-eligible technical certificates in automation and mechatronics, providing a quick path to in-demand careers.

  • You can complete a certificate in as little as one year.
  • You can earn these certificates as you work toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.
  • And if you’re still in high school, you can take these courses via our College Credit Plus Pathways.

The certificates were created as a direct response to an increased demand for manufacturing technicians in Ohio, preparing you to become workforce-ready just as high-tech companies like Intel start to hire.

Ohio’s growth in high-tech manufacturing brings with it the promise of high-paying jobs. This industry directly employs nearly a quarter of a million workers in the U.S., but there is a current shortage of skilled workers to meet production demands, many in jobs with technician roles. The arrival of Intel’s $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing complex has also started the expansion of Ohio’s high-tech future.

Automation Technician Certificate

The Automation Technician certification is now offered to students who want to develop hands-on technical skills in robotics and automation. Students will learn how to operate and maintain tools like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotic cells, variable frequency AC drives, and other computer-controlled automation systems that are designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency in manufacturing. These skills needed by technicians will support the region's growing industrial systems environment.

Required Courses

  • ENGT 1200 - Basic Electronics Credit Hours: 4
  • ENGT 2210 - Programmable Logic Controllers 1 and Motor Controls Credit Hours: 3 
  • ENGT 2230 - Automation and Robotics I Credit Hours: 3
  • ENGT 2250 - Programmable Logic Controllers II and Motor Controls Credit Hours: 3 
  • ENGT 2330 - Automation and Robotics II Credit Hours: 3

Potential Careers

Students have a wide variety of career opportunities through an automation technician certificate. Upon the completion of this certification, students will be prepared to start their careers as electrical technicians, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) technicians, and CNC and quality technicians. Graduates may work for manufacturers or field service providers to setup and troubleshoot sensors, automated equipment and robots to ensure productivity

17% increase
in expected demand for Automation Technicians in Ohio between 2022 and 2028
70%
of projected 3,000 new jobs at Intel will be technician roles

Mechatronics Technician Certificate

The Mechatronics Technician certification is now offered to students who want to combine the application of electronics and mechanics to better understand and improve industrial processes. Students will develop the skills to perform preventative and corrective maintenance on electro-mechanical systems that include fluid-power, mechanical drives, electric motor control and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). As high-tech manufacturing continues to expand in Ohio, there is a growing need for skilled mechatronics technicians to operate and maintain industrial equipment.

Required Courses

  • ENGT 1200 - Basic Electronics Credit Hours: 4
  • ENGT 1500 - Machine Repair Credit Hours: 3
  • ENGT 2200 - Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics Credit Hours: 3
  • ENGT 2210 - Programmable Logic Controllers 1 and Motor Controls Credit Hours: 3 
  • ENGT 2630 - Process Control Credit Hours: 3

Potential Careers

Students have a wide variety of career opportunities through a mechatronics technician certificate. Upon the completion of this certification, students will be prepared to start their careers as mechatronics technicians, electromechanical repair technicians, test technicians and more. Graduates may work for manufacturers or field service providers to test, maintain and operate electromechanical equipment to ensure productivity and safety.

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    Financial Aid & Scholarships


    Both certificates are financial aid eligible. Scholarships are now available through the ASCENT program to cultivate the next generation of skilled technical professionals for Ohio’s emerging semiconductor industry.

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    Learning Environment


    Most Engineering Technology classes are held in the Fairfield County Workforce Center. The Center is home to the latest advanced technology, including industrial robots, robotic vision systems, programmable logic controllers, mechatronic trainers and other advanced manufacturing equipment.

94%

of OHIO student survey participants across all online programs would recommend OHIO Online.æ

* According to U.S. News and World Report

1The median salary for a mechatronics technician is $60,000 per year, as is the median salary for a manufacturing technician, according to O*NET Online.
æ Based on spring 2024 survey results of 6,422 Ohio University students enrolled in OHIO Online/eCampus.