Fiber Optic Technician

The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT) is an Arkansas Fiber Academy training location offering Fiber Optic Technician courses. The 9-week Fiber Optic Technician Program, co-designed with industry partners, provides participants with an opportunity to embark on a meaningful and rewarding career in the Fiber Broadband industry.

Arkansas Fiber Academy
Fiber Optic Technician classroom and hands-on field experiences equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilities employers seek when hiring a fiber optic technician to install, maintain, and troubleshoot fiber broadband to the home or business. Upon completion, students will be prepared for industry certification.

Course Content

• Intro, Applications, Why Fiber
• Fiber Types, Theory, Geometry/Properties
• Fiber Optic Safety & Tools
• Cables & Cable Structures
• Connectors
• Architectures, Topologies & Splitters
• Splicing
• Central Office and FDH (Primarily Indoor Building Cable Management)
• Documentation, Values, Success in the Field Closures and Terminals
• Test Equipment & Testing
• Outside Plant (OSP) Installation
• Inside Plant (ISP)/Premises (Single-Family (SFU) Home and Multi-Family Home (MDU)) Installation
• Systems Overview
• Optical Network Terminals (ONT)
• Troubleshooting

Required Courses
AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED (6 hours)
OSHA 10 (10 hours)
Fiber Optic Technician (100 hours)

Entrance Requirements
The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana seeks to meet the needs of the public by providing open enrollment Fiber Optic Technician course. To be admitted, applicants must meet the following requirements and submit a completed Fiber Optic Technician Application for Admission.

• Possess an OSHA 10 certification
• Possess First Aid CPR AED certification
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid driver's license
• Able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. without assistance
• Is not color blind

Cost
The course is free to eligible participants. The cost of the training is underwritten by a grant from the Office of Skills Development. Tools and equipment are provided to students for use during the course. Certifications embedded in the courses are also offered at no cost to students.

Application for Admission
Complete a Fiber Optic Technician Application for Admission and submit it to Community Education via fax, mail or in-person along with the required attachments. Advisors are available to assist applicants throughout the admission process.

Enrollment
Once the Application for Admission and drug screen results (required only for the Fiber Optic Technician course) is received, they are processed on a first come, first-serve basis. Once approved for admission into the program, applicants have their first choice of available training dates.

Attendance Requirements
The Fiber Optic Technician program is a fast-paced intensive course with stringent attendance requirements. Students are expected to arrive promptly and be present for all class sessions and field exercises. Any class session or activity missed whole or in part, regardless of cause, reduces the opportunity for learning and may adversely affect a student’s ability to meet the learning outcomes required to receive a Certificate of Completion. Persons with life or health conditions that may hinder attendance may wish to delay application for admission until a strong commitment to attendance can be made.

If an emergency arises, students must contact their instructor as early as possible prior to the start of class to best ensure arrangements can be made to make-up missed instruction time. Make-up sessions are subject to the availability of an instructor and are not guaranteed; therefore, students who are late or miss class for any reason are not guaranteed they will be able to make up missed instruction time or successfully complete the course. Students may be subject to expulsion from the program due to lack of attendance at the point that a student has missed 25% of the class (25 clock hours for Fiber Optic Technician).

If provision for supplemental training is requested and/or required in order to meet course requirements, the student shall be responsible for the costs incurred including payment of a classroom instructor hired by Community Education, their own transportation and other associated costs should they accept these arrangements.

Dress Code
A shirt that provides the flexibility and range of motion needed to move, jeans/pants, safety shoes/boots and personal protective equipment are required for field exercises. Personal protective equipment is provided to students for use during the course. Students will receive a voucher for the purchase of safety footwear. Failure to observe the dress code and/or failure to comply with other program guidelines may result in termination from the program.

 Requirements for Successful Completion

1. Attend required training sessions
2. Complete all required quizzes and assignments
3. Demonstrate safe practice
4. Comply with program guidelines
5. Achieve a passing exam of 80% or greater

Student Conduct
UAHT is committed to the academic achievement, growth, and development of its students, and the wellness and safety of the members of its community. In addition, UAHT is committed to preserving peace, maintaining a civil and respectful academic atmosphere, supporting a moral and just climate, and protecting its property and that of its community members. As such, Community Education students are also expected to be positive members of UAHT community. It is the responsibility of the student to carefully read the “Prohibited Conduct” segments of UAHT’s catalog and handbook at   Although not exclusive, the actions, activities, behaviors, or attempts listed are expressly prohibited.

Inclement Weather
In the event that area weather is so severe UAHT feels that life and property may be in danger, classes may be cancelled until weather and road conditions improve. We strive to distribute announcements regarding UAHT closings in a timely manner. Announcements about campus closings will be made through the UAHT Website, social media accounts and local media channels.

Additional Credential Valued by Employers
While not required by all employers, a Class A CDL is a highly valued credential that can help you stand out among other applicants. To learn more about Arkansas Trucking Academy training available at UAHT, click here.

Anticipated Start Dates:  See training schedule tab.

Time:  5:30pm – 9:30pm

Days:  2-3 nights weekly

Days of the week:  M/T or M/T/Th

Location:  Hope Campus

Class size:  Up to 10

Class type:  In person, hands on

Prerequisites:  OSHA 10, CPR First Aid (UAHT can provide), driver’s license, high school graduation or equivalent

Cost:  No cost to students during the first year thanks to OSD grant

Supplies:  UAHT will provide class supplies including PPE and boots

Certification:  Students will test for the Fiber Broadband Academy’s Certified Fiber Optic Technician certification

Instructor:  Keegan Johnson, Fiber Broadband Technician at Hope Water & Light

Cohorts:  See training schedule tab.