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Program Map

Mechatronics: Fluid Power Specialist

Career Pathways Certificate

Please note: Effective July 2022, this program will be suspended. If you are currently enrolled in the program, please contact your advisor.

About the Program

Fluid power is a term describing hydraulics and pneumatics technologies. Both technologies use a fluid (liquid or gas) to transmit power from one location to another. With hydraulics, the fluid is a liquid (usually oil), whereas pneumatics uses a gas (usually compressed air). Pneumatics and hydraulics have powered machines in innumerable applications across manufacturing, industry, agriculture, power generation, and many more for decades. These power sources are utilized all over the world in countless fields, so a strong theoretical understanding combined with hands-on training in pneumatic and hydraulic applications is indispensable for nearly any industry. Both are forms of power transmission, which is the technology of converting power to a more useable form and distributing it to where it is needed. The common methods of power transmission are electrical, mechanical, and fluid power. The Fluid Power Specialist certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in today’s fast-paced mechanical and manufacturing environment. Typical positions for graduates of the certificate program include maintenance technician and mechatronics assistant. Completion of the certificate also completes the first three terms of the Mechatronics AAS degree. Certificate completion can also lead to entry into apprenticeship training.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for mechatronics programs are:

Demonstrate ability to use basic tools and safety procedures.

Read and develop hydraulic and pneumatic schematics and create functioning circuits.

Use critical thinking to design circuits based on given parameters.

Investigate and troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic machine circuits.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process. In addition, students may also be required to enroll in classes that would increase their employability and success.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college registration policies and with the Manufacturing/Engineering Technology Department chair’s recommendation. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over 10 years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chair before being accepted toward core requirements. Students must complete coursework in their major at a “C” or better level before proceeding to advanced coursework. Each College Now credit student must meet with the department chair to determine placement.

Completion Requirements

Students are required to complete all courses in this program with a grade of “C” or better to receive their degrees. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade.

Program Map

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement score(s). Note, some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.

¹Approved Computer Information Science or Computer Science class, CIS120 or above, or documented computer proficiency within the past ten years.

For more information, contact the Manufacturing/Engineering Technology Department.

Manufacturing/Engineering Technology Department faculty and staff can also be reached by:
Phone: 541-956-7500
Email: [email protected]
Web address: www.roguecc.edu/mechatronics
TTY: Oregon Telecom Relay Service, 711