ACC Hires Seasoned Electronics and Computer Technology Specialist to Launch New Degree Program

Mark Crane demonstrates an interactive training system his students will use to master electronics and computer technology fundamentals this Fall.

(August 6, 2007 - Littleton, Colo.) Over the course of his career, Mark Crane has applied his electronics and computer technology background in impressive ways. He's protected our national security, as an Army specialist. He's worked with Boeing, as an industrial engineer. During the dot com boom he was a critical field engineer with a global telecommunications company. And, more recently he even created a program to teach his electronics and technology skill-set at Dodge City Community College.

This summer, Arapahoe Community College hired him as a new department chair. He is now in the metaphorical cockpit of launching ACC's new Electronics and Computer Technology Associate in Applied Science degree, which debuts in late August, and expectations are high. "Mark has the can-do attitude and depth of experience necessary to prepare our students for the many high-wage, high-skill, high-demand electronics and computer technology positions available in Denver. We are thrilled to have him at the helm of this program," remarks ACC Interim Dean of Business and Professional Services Janna Oakes. To assist Crane, ACC has purchased new state-of-the-art training equipment for the program, including six interactive training systems that will guide students through the intricacies of mastering electronic fundamentals and circuit boards.

"We still have a few slots available for students who are looking to advance or launch a career where they will know how to troubleshoot and maintain computer controlled electronics, micro-computers and networks," explains Crane. "But students need to act fast because classes start August 20." In addition, several scholarships, earmarked especially for this program, are available.

"It's easy to see why ACC created this program. One just needs to do a search on Monster.com to see the several Electronics and Computer Technology technician positions available in the Denver Area," remarked Crane. "The Colorado Department of Labor states that the demand for this type of professional is growing faster than average and the basement entry-level pay is in the mid-30s."

"At a tuition much lower than the private schools you see on TV, our graduates will be prepared to work as technicians in information technology, biomedicine, network support, electronics servicing, application support, research and engineering, manufacturing and quality control," he adds. "Additionally, those who take this program will prepare for some highly sought after certificates including: CompTIA A+, CompTIA A+ OS, Networking II Network +, and the credential for being a Certified Wireless Network Administrator."

Program courses include: Fundamentals of DC/AC; Digital Computer Devices; Microprocessors; Intro to Operating Systems; Intro to Programming; Computer Tech I and II; Networking; and many others.

Graduates from this program enjoy a plethora of professional opportunities, such as: computer-based medical equipment, avionics, robotics, IT networking, computer peripheral maintenance and remote industrial machinery. "One of the hottest skill sets being sough out there are people who know how to work with programmable logic controllers or PLCs," says Crane. "This program will give graduates the fundamentals and background necessary to learn the requirements necessary to maintain a variety of PLCs."

Prospective students interested in seeing if ACC's Electronics and Computer Technology is right for them should contact Crane ASAP at 303.797.5833 or mark.crane@arapahoe.edu.

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