The Peninsula College Media Technician certificate prepares students for employment in a variety of jobs including theater technician for live events and performances, technical director, audio and video, lighting, and sound engineering technician. The program emphasizes both technical and artistic training in audio, video, lighting, set design, basic carpentry, rigging, and multimedia. Internships provide practicum experiences and opportunity for service-learning experiences with local employers.

Program Length: 3 Quarters
Program Code: HAMMTC45

Career Opportunities and Earnings 

There is a growing demand for talented people with media, audio, and video technical skills; and an increasing number of employers are seeking workers with creative technical skills. Graduates may find positions with a variety of companies and organizations in the public and private sectors. Potential positions include:

• Audio technician
• Media technician
• Multimedia developer
• Technical director
• Video technician

Wages often begin around $28.70 per hour.

Program Outcomes 

When this program is completed, the student will be able to:

• Operate, monitor, and adjust audio, video, sound, and lighting equipment to ensure consistent quality
• Set up and take down equipment for events and live performances
• Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording equipment or computers, sometimes using complex software
• Synchronize sounds and dialogue with action taking place in productions
• Convert video and audio recordings to digital formats for editing on computers
• Install audio, video, and lighting equipment for events and performances
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with groups and clients

Goals

• Prepares students for a variety of media, audio, video, and theater technician jobs
• The courses are based on recommendations from local employers and industry trends
• The Peninsula College Media Technician certificate is significantly more cost effective than most private and public schools

Program Prerequisites 

Students entering this program should have good familiarity with computer software and hardware in the Windows or MAC environment. College level skills in English and math (eligibility for courses numbered 100 or higher) are required before registering for the English, math, or applied math courses in this program. Students may need to complete prerequisite coursework.

Required Software and Equipment

• Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Account
• Personal website including domain and webhosting for portfolio and subdomains for web based projects
• Digital camera for photography and video
• Books for courses

Approximate Additional Costs

• Tuition and fees: $5,860.11 total based on 2024-25 WA resident tuition rates (additional fees may apply)
  • First quarter (15 credits): $1,800.95
  • Second quarter (18 credits): $2,029.58
  • Third quarter (18 credits): $2,029.58

Sample Schedule  

This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn a certificate. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.