Programs in communications operations technology prepare people to work in radio and television. Students learn to manage digital graphics. They also learn to set up, adjust, and take care of equipment.
"Communications" is a pretty broad word. And when you pair it with "technology," you can begin to understand all the different ways we use "things" to communicate with each other. For example, we frequently use the radio, TV, movies, and the Internet as ways to communicate. Two-year-olds use CD-ROMs to learn the alphabet. What's more, in this digital age, some kids will never know how to use a film camera!
Programs in communication technologies teach people to give technological support in fields such as photography, educational media, the motion picture industry, and radio and TV. In these programs, you take a variety of courses, which usually focus on the mechanical, scientific, and technical aspects of communications. You learn how to operate and fix equipment. You also can take courses in digital editing and manipulation. In addition, most programs require you to complete an original, creative project.
Many programs offer you the chance to specialize in one area. This means the majority of your courses would teach you about one aspect of technology, such as radio broadcasting. Some programs teach skills needed to operate specialized equipment for developing film and related technical processes. Longer programs may prepare you to make films, tapes, recordings, videos, slides, or overheads. Often, they teach you how to assist with the production of radio and television shows, movies, and videos.
About 50 community colleges and private training schools offer specialized programs in one or more of the communications technologies. Most programs in communications operations technology are certificate or associate degree programs. Typically, they take from one to two years to complete. Certificates are usually offered through professional or continuing education divisions of four-year schools. In most cases, certificates are offered for people who already have some experience in the field or a degree. In addition, some bachelor's degrees offer concentrations in communications technologies. This is most common for multimedia or general communications programs.
With a degree in communications operations technology, you can work in a variety of jobs. You can operate and maintain equipment for a video production company. With some experience, you can work as a manager of a project or work on postproduction for a television studio. At many jobs, you use computers and graphic editing software to create a polished finished product. You can also work in advertising or public relations.