May 02, 2026  
2026-2027 Course Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Course Catalog

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Network Technology-Telecommunications, Certificate

Location(s): West Des Moines



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Network Technology Certificate program graduates will be prepared to pursue an entry level career in several areas of Information Technology, including careers involving installation and repair of telecommunications services, networking equipment, computer servers, and software.  Employment can be found at data centers, telephone and Internet providers, financial institutions, hospitals, municipalities, and a variety of other companies.

Program Details


Location: West Des Moines


Pathway: Information Technology


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester


Graduation Requirements


To earn a Network Technology-Telecommunications Certificate, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Total Credits Required to Complete the Certificate - 26


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


CostsSemester 1Semester 2
Books600300
Supplies200

Approximate total for the program: $6,690**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • There are many different types of technical and management positions in telecommunications.
  • Installation and repair of business telecommunications services.
  • Installation and repair of residential telecommunications services.
  • Service delivery and provisioning specialists.
  • Fiber-optic transmission specialists.
  • Telephone technicians.
  • Data Center Technician
  • Network operations center technician.
  • Outside plant specialists. (fiber and copper cable splicing and repair)

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • The constant desire to learn new tasks.
  • Dependable worker.
  • Ability to work with teams and individual tasks.
  • Critical thinking skills and ability to analyze situations.
  • Some positions require the ability to use small hand tools, climb ladders and utility poles and work in confined spaces.
  • Some positions require the ability to distinguish cable or wire colors and work in inclement weather.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?


  • IT/Telecommunications technicians are needed worldwide.
  • Graduates can choose to travel or relocate.
  • A wide variety of small to large companies employ telecommunications professionals.

Program Competencies


1. Demonstrate an effective understanding of telecommunication systems and electronics
2. Exhibit proficiency in fiber optic and copper cabling infrastructure practices
3. Demonstrate competence in IT fundamentals and computer security
4. Exhibit proficiency in communication systems and cloud delivered network services

Competencies revised date


FY2026

Nondiscrimination Statement


It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.  

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026)

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