Back to Top

Technical Specialist

Mission Statement

The mission of the Technical Specialist TCC is to provide students with occupational knowledge and skills in a technical field as well as the communication skills necessary to translate technical information to a broad range of audiences. Students in the program complete general education course work at the degree level.

Program Description

The purpose of this certificate is to prepare students for positions in business that require technical proficiency to translate technical information to various audiences and in various formats using written and oral communication skills.

Nature of the Work

Technical specialists provide technical assistance by supporting and advising customers on products or services, providing consultation services to businesses, and providing customer service by responding to customer questions, complaints, and needs. They also assess the effectiveness of processes and provide strategies for the improvement of operating practices to improve costs and efficiency.

Work Environment

Technical specialists work in areas that are highly visible. The work performed by some technical specialist may be tiring, repetitious, and stressful as they may spend all day answering continuously ringing telephones and sometimes encounter difficult or irate callers. The work environment, however, may be very friendly and motivating for individuals who enjoy greeting customers face to face and making them feel comfortable.

Job Outlook

Job prospects for technical specialist should be good, especially for those with a college degree and relevant skills. Technical specialists held about 565,700 jobs nationally in 2008. Although they worked in a wide range of industries, about 18 percent were employed in the computer systems design and related services industry. Substantial numbers of technical specialists were also employed in administrative and support services companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, government agencies, educational institutions, software publishers, telecommunications organizations, and healthcare organizations.

Earnings

Median hourly wages national of technical specialists in May 2008 were as follows:

  • Technical writers-$17.86
  • Customer representatives-$14.75
  • Office clerks (general)-$11.64
  • Employment services receptionists-$11.63

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the technical certificate in Technical Specialist will be able to complete the following tasks:

  • Prepare reports of technical issues in a clear and concise manner
  • Provide technical information according to business/industry standards
  • Develop problem solving skills in order to assess business/industry situations and determine appropriate, plausible solutions
  • Demonstrate the personal and professional ethics and interpersonal skills that are expected in the workplace

Essential Functions

The purpose of the essential functions list is to allow prospective students who are considering a career to be informed of the physical, emotional, and psychological demands related to training and employment in a field of study. These lists are provided to allow prospective students to make informed career choices by providing them with a summary of the physical abilities and personality traits that are generally required for the successful completion of a curriculum and result in employment in their field of study after graduation.

For students to be successful in the Technical Specialist program, they must be able to perform the following essential functions:

  • Write letters and prepare financial reports using concise, grammatically correct language
  • Speak clearly, distinctly, and effectively using tact and diplomacy with individuals or groups
  • Listen effectively to clients, supervisors, and colleagues
  • Communicate clearly and objectively the scope of work, findings, or recommendations through the preparation of written and oral reports
  • Use strong research skills and techniques to access relevant information and guidelines in order to understand and apply findings to a specific project or assignment
  • Display effective problem solving and decision-making skills, sound judgment, and innovative and creative thinking
  • Use strategic and critical approaches to decision-making in order to consider issues objectively, identify alternatives, and select and implement solutions.
  • Demonstrate the ability to manage effectively a variety of multi-dimensional, multi-step projects including human, financial, property, and technical resources
  • Demonstrate a commitment to objectivity, integrity, and ethical behavior and stable work performance, as well as a commitment to the continuous acquisition of new skills and knowledge
  • Use technology tools effectively and efficiently to complete required tasks and communicate results
  • Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with individuals in a diversity of roles and with varying interests in the outcome
  • Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to embrace change

Program Expenses

The Higher Education Act requires all colleges and universities to notify students and prospective students of all program costs for which they will be responsible. Students will be responsible for the following expenses each semester (unless otherwise noted):

  • Tuition ($75 per credit hour)
  • Registration fee ($39)
  • Student activity fees ($30)
  • Accident insurance fee ($6)
  • Instructional and technology supply fee ($55)
  • Program supply fee (Varies - see course descriptions for exact amounts)
  • Textbooks (Approximately $2,000)

These expenses are based on costs in effect at the time this catalog was published. Prices are subject to change.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit the following information to the Admissions Office:

  • Completed and signed application for admission and a $20 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official high school or GED transcripts and/or official college transcripts from all colleges attended in the past (see General Admission Requirements)
  • Valid COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, or ACT test scores (see COMPASS and ASSET Placement Tests)