Online Degrees in Computer & Appliance Repair: Associate, Bachelor & Master Degrees

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Online Computer & Appliance Repair Degree Programs

As Americans continue to purchase more gadgets, the need for repair specialists is also on the rise. In most cases these repairs take place in homes or businesses, as it's neither convenient nor in many cases practical to lug an appliance or computer to a repair shop. An online career training program is a convenient way for you to break into the computer and appliance repair industry. (cont)

Career Training in Computer Repair

Computer repair personnel are vital for the smooth operations of most companies, and Americans are increasingly relying on computers at home for shopping, bill paying and other banking services, and as a means of getting news and weather information. Computer repair usually consists of identifying and replacing, rather than repairing, the subsystem that is malfunctioning. Subsytems are the components--hard drives, video cards, network cards, or central processing units, for example--that make up a computer.

Replacing these subsystems, which are generally relatively inexpensive, allows for quick repairs so that the computer owner is able to resume using the computer immediately rather than waiting several days for the subsystem to be repaired. You can learn the skills required to become a computer repair technician through associate's degree or certification programs available at colleges, community colleges, technical schools, and via online degree programs. These programs will also prepare you to earn the A+ Certificate provided by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and recommended for employment in the computer repair business.

Other certifications from specific computer and component manufacturers may also be available. Coursework in computer repair programs will generally include operating systems, PC maintenance, and network protocols. The average annual salary of a computer repairer was $38,710 in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Career Training in Appliance Repair

By earning a certificate in appliance repair, you can either start your own business or work for an established appliance repair company. Appliance repair technicians may also be hired to install new appliances, and remove old ones, which can be a specialty unto itself. Repair technicians may specialize in refrigerators, stoves, or washing machines and dryers, or may have the formal or on-the-job training to repair all types of appliances.

The more diverse training you have, the better your employment prospects. Most appliance repair technicians learn their trade on the job. However, formal training such as vocational classes in high school, technical schools, community colleges, and online degree or certification programs can be an important first step that helps you get your foot in the door.

Basic career training courses include business practices, refrigerated appliances, and tools, materials, and test equipment. Repair technicians working with refrigerators must also be trained in federal standards for the handling of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants. The average annual salary for home appliance repair technicians was $35,200 in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.