Laser machine education is an individualized process. No longer do you simply need to register at the local technical institute or two-year college and start classes. The choices and options for training and education can be a little overwhelming at times. There are online classes, webinars, CD-ROMs and online tutorials that offer CEUs and certifications.

The student today needs to ask questions, “Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?” or, “Is a quicker shorter rigorous course all I need for my work?” You can find good non-accredited classes and workshops. You need to research schools and training programs the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university to attend. There are plenty of con artists out there, on the web especially, offering less than sterling courses too. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for laser training:

1. Find a good technical school offering associate degrees and certifications in laser education.

2. Use online courses and workshops for laser machine training.

3. Look at other options for training such as online tutorials and training kits.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend a two-year college or technical school for lasers education and training

Go to an established school for a good education, degree or certification that will hold up under scrutiny. Fully accredited schools will give you something no one can ever take from you.

I recommend: Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas offers one of the finest programs for laser technology in the country. In fact, 99% of TSTC graduates already have jobs before they get out of college. Two-year technical schools across the nation such as San Jose City College offer degrees and certification in laser training.

Take a workshop or an online laser education course

There are many fine classes and training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: Dr. Zadik presents his two-day laser cosmetic course for doctors and nurses. This course covers the techniques for both laser and intensive pulse light (IPL). MasteryNet offers a less-than-one CEU of credit web, CD-ROM, LAN or WebCD laser training. The course lasts approximately one to two hours.

Use a laser beam tutorial or even an electronics training kit to learn about lasers

You need to do your research. Just like the high school senior looking for the right university to go to--define your goals and find the right school. Look at the links here for a laser beam tutorial or training kit.

I recommend: Brickfilms has an online laser beam tutorial on its website. It uses a laser beam line on top of an image using the GIMP at the beginning of the tutorial, and continues with more technical training. Tequipment sells an electronics training kit that trains in optical power, optimization and reflection loss of optics. This is a digital logic design training and measurement kit for lasers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online programs, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing laser equipment education for you and your small business. If you want accredited, check for accreditation. Maybe you just need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Beware of laser classes that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find a good training program that meets your needs.