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Orion Technical College

Davenport, IA

private forprofitbachelors

About Orion Technical College

Orion Technical College: Forging futures in technical careers since 1969.

Orion Technical College, formerly known as Hamilton Technical College, has been a cornerstone of specialized technical education in the Midwest since its founding in 1969. What began as the Academy of Radio and Television (A.R.T.) around a dinner table for just six students has evolved into a dynamic institution dedicated to equipping students with practical, in-demand skills for tomorrow's workforce. The college's journey reflects a commitment to adapting its curriculum to meet industry needs, initially focusing on broadcasting and later expanding significantly into electronics, medical assisting, and computer-related fields.

Today, Orion Technical College is particularly known for its robust Associate and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Electronics Engineering Technology, providing students with advanced knowledge and hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment like CNC Lathes, Industrial Robotics, and Oscilloscopes within its Advanced Electronics Center. Beyond engineering, the college also offers focused diploma programs in Medical Assisting Technology and Medical Insurance Coding and Billing, preparing graduates for essential roles in the healthcare sector. The practical, intensive nature of its programs ensures that students can achieve their career goals efficiently, with associate degrees attainable in just 18 months and diplomas in as little as 9 months.

With its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, Orion Technical College prides itself on a learning environment that emphasizes direct application and real-world relevance. The college continually invests in facility and equipment upgrades, ensuring students train with the same tools they will encounter in their professional careers. This dedication to practical education, combined with a history of innovation and growth—including a major name change in 2020 and the addition of a sister campus, Orion Institute, in Toledo, Ohio—makes Orion Technical College a compelling choice for prospective students seeking a focused path to a successful technical career.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1969 as the Academy of Radio and Television (A.R.T.), evolving into a comprehensive technical college.
  • Offers Associate and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Electronics Engineering Technology.
  • Provides diplomas in Medical Assisting Technology (9 months) and Medical Insurance Coding and Billing.
  • Features a state-of-the-art Advanced Electronics Center equipped with CNC Lathes, Industrial Robotics, and advanced testing equipment.
  • Formerly known as Hamilton Technical College, rebranded as Orion Technical College in 2020.
  • Expanded its reach in 2020 by adding the Orion Institute in Toledo, Ohio, as a sister campus.
  • Moved into a new, larger facility in Davenport, Iowa, in 2021.

Timeline

1969
Founded as the Academy of Radio and Television (A.R.T.) in Bettendorf, Iowa
1970
First formal classes began at 1120 State Street in Bettendorf, Iowa
1978
Electronics program added; renamed A.R.T. Technical College
1980
Name changed to Hamilton Technical College
1990
Computer-Aided Drafting program began
1991
College moved all classes to 10111 53rd Street in Davenport, Iowa; Medical Assisting Technology program began
2006
Began construction and remodeling of current buildings, including the Advanced Electronics Center
2020
Name changed to Orion Technical College; Orion Institute in Toledo, Ohio, added as a sister campus
2021
Moved into the old Gander Mountain building in Davenport, Iowa

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Orion Technical College

💼

Hamilton Institute of Business

A former branch of Hamilton Technical College, offering an Associate of Occupational Technology degree in Computer Information Systems

🏫

Orion Institute

A sister campus located in Toledo, Ohio, established in 2020

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