What to Expect
Today, we find lasers in everything from medical equipment to grocery store
scanners. And laser technology students focus on learning exactly how they
work.
Bill Kerr graduated from Camden County College with an associate of science
degree in photonics. He says students divide their time between labs and
lecture rooms.
The workload, he says, is average. "There's some math involved," he says.
"You have to be pretty good with algebra."
His favorite part of the program was the hands-on aspect. Laser
technology students learn to apply their knowledge to the real world through
labs and experiments.
For example, they may learn to operate low- and medium-power lasers. They
may also do experiments in wave interference and holography (the use
of laser to create holograms).
Kerr appreciates the fact that, after getting a two-year degree, students
are equipped to enter the workforce. "You can get a job right out of school,"
he says. "That's something I liked about it a lot."
Larry Passel graduated from Northcentral Technical College with an associate's
degree in laser technology. Like Kerr, Passel loved the hands-on aspect of
the program.
"We do a lot of working on different components and different lasers,"
he says. "So you get a broad coverage of the whole laser system as far as
electronics and optics.
"You actually work right on the lasers, adjusting our optics for
different modes and looking at the voltages and currents and cleaning."
Passel explains that laser technology students spend ample time in the
lab. That means you're often surrounded by classmates in a busy atmosphere.
"If you have questions, there's always someone there to give you a hand,"
he says.
How to Prepare
If you want to do well, says Passel, you'll have to do a fair bit of
reading outside of class. "I think I put more time in than the average
student," he says. "I was putting in a good 15 hours a week."
High school students should concentrate on physics and math, advises
Passel. "Really know them, really well," he says.