Education and Training Laser technicians need a broad base of electrical, electronic, mechanical, and optical skills. High school courses should include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and English. Students should have at least one year of a physical science such as physics. Helpful also are chemistry, drafting, computer programming, vocational machine shop, blueprint reading, and basic electronics. Technicians must have study and training beyond high school.
Interested individuals can earn a bachelor's degree in laser and optical technology.
Another option is to attend a two-year college or technical school and earn an associate degree for completion of a program in laser principles and photonics technology. Vocational schools also offer studies in this field. Students may spend more time in the laboratory or on work projects than in the classroom. The first year in a program for technicians may include mathematics, physics, drafting, and diagramming and sketching. Other useful studies are basic electronics, industrial safety, electronic instrumentation, and electromechanical controls.