Spotlight: Broadcast Systems Technology

Program Description

The Broadcast Systems Technology (BXST) program prepares students for employment in the installation, maintenance, setup and repair of electronic and computer related equipment in the broadcast industry. The student will discover how to maintain and repair AM and FM radio stations as the electrical signal flows from the microphone through the audio mixing console to the station's microwave link to the transmitter and to your home stereo. Additionally, the student will repair and maintain television stations as the signal passes from the video cameras through the video switcher and special effects generator, to master control, through the transmitter site, satellites, or cable TV to your home. The Broadcast Systems Technology program is focused on the technical aspects of the equipment, not on the announcers, actors, and producers and not on the operators of the equipment

Your Career

Opportunities exist in many areas, including television and radio broadcast stations, systems and networks, post-production facilities, educational television and audiovisual systems, equipment manufacturers (technical field support) equipment sales and communications providers. Career progression may lead to employment as assistant chief and chief station engineers. There is a major migration from analog systems to digital audio and video systems with the most prominent being High Definition Television (HDTV). It is common to have facilities that employ both analog and digital systems or just one or the other. The broadcast industry is now enhancing the delivery of content through streaming audio and video over the Internet.

Admission Requirements

Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with at least 50% in Pure Math 30 or 65% in Applied Math 30; 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2; and a minimum 20 level science (excluding Science 24 and 26).
Note: Applicants will be required to complete additional selection criteria - please see Selection Criteria below.
All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
For upgrading options, please refer to the Academic Upgrading program.

Selection (2011 - 2012)

Meeting the Admission Requirements is the first step in the selection process. Students will be interviewed in person or by telephone to ascertain appropriate program selection and probability of success. Applicants at or near minimum requirements may be asked to do an assessment to ensure they have the necessary skills for the program.

Student Success

Characteristics of a successful student in this program include:

Enjoy keeping up-to-date on new technological developments, continue to take training and enjoy learning new skills.
Are able to manage their time and work effectively while facing deadlines.
Able to work independently with little supervision but can also perform as a vital member of a team of professionals.
Pay attention to detail and take personal pride in their technical problem-solving skills.
A working knowledge of the MS Office Suite would be an asset.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.