Professional Technical Certificate

Hospitality Media Technician Certificate

Area of Study
Business and Management
Program Coordinator

Kim Reynolds
(360) 417-6316
kreynolds@pencol.edu

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.    

First Quarter (Fall)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)

Credits: 5

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5

This course concentrates on the creative and practical exploration of computer graphics and page layout design. Students will explore basic concepts of digital media, terminology and acquire hands-on experience working with industry standard page layout and illustration software. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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5

Learn technical and artistic sound recording and lighting for theater and live stage performances. Students will explore theories, techniques, and equipment for stage lighting and audio production. Students will learn how to use lighting and sound systems and consoles and apply theories of light and sound in a final project. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Second Quarter (Winter)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

This course provides instruction and experience in technical theater through lecture, readings, and practical experience. Students will work together as a production team to assist in the design and production of the play being performed within the quarter. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

Credits: 5

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CONST 104 or Advisor Approved Elective  +
5
3

Survey of workplace skills, including communication, team building, problem solving, and leadership. Emphasis on concepts of perception, attitude, motivation, and ethics.

Credits: 3

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5

Learn practical and aesthetic concepts of filming and syncing audio, video, and light for projections at live theater and events. Students will use video cameras and projection technologies for screens and projection mapping. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
18

Third Quarter (Spring)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

College mathematics used in professional and technical programs. Content includes mathematical modeling and applications employing numerical operations; measurements; geometry; linear and nonlinear equations; exponent, radical, and polynomial operations; functions; formulas; plane analytical geometry with graphing; and an introduction to trigonometry. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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1 - 5

This class will provide opportunities for Hospitality and Ecotourism students to participate in internships with local businesses. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 1 - 5

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5

Project based class teaches students how to create visual effects that enhance live performances through video, projection mapping, sequencing, lighting, music, and imagery. Apply special effects, best practices, and real-world considerations of integrating digital media and projections for theater, concerts, or live performances. This class may include students from multiple sections.

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
16-20

Take 3 credits of HOSP 290

Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:  

Total Credits
51