Arborist Technician

Why Arborist Technician?

Arboriculture is an exciting field that blends science, skill, and adventure to care for trees and the environments they sustain. In this program, you will learn to plant, prune, and maintain trees using industry-recognized best practices. You will gain technical knowledge and hands-on experience to keep communities green, healthy, and safe while enjoying a rewarding career outdoors.

At Mid-State, you will train in real-world settings with expert instructors who bring years of professional experience. You’ll graduate ready for immediate employment or transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

61-62 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person, Hybrid

Location

Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$11,158.37

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Arborist (commercial, utility, government)

Landscape Contractor

Plant Health Care Technician

Tree Trimmer/Climber

Utility Vegetation Management Technician

$66k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $65,571. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Average Monthly Hires

23 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (61-62 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10001118	Landscape Plant Identification	Yes	2
10001124	Arborist Skills Introduction	No	2
10001133	Chainsaw Safety and Operation	No	2
10001173	Pruning for Structure	Yes	2
10001108	Electric Systems & Safety in Arboriculture	Yes	1
10001199	Natural Resource Management	No	3
10801198 or 10801196	Speech or Oral/Interpersonal Communication	Yes	3
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10001102	Plant Health Care Applicator	Yes	2
10001110	Tree Biology	No	2
10001111	Intro to Horticulture	No	2
10001125	Arboriculture Operations 1	No	2
10001150	Workplace Communication in Arboriculture	No	1
10806112	Principles of Sustainability	Yes	3
10809166	Introduction to Ethics: Theory & Application	Yes	3

Term 3: (16-17)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10001105	Dendrology and Silvics	No	3
10001115	Root Management	No	2
10001126	Arboriculture Operations 2	No	2
10001120	Tree Disease	No	3
10801195 or 10801136	Written Communication or English Composition 1	Yes	3
10804107 or 10804189	College Mathematics or Intermediate Algebra with Applications	Yes	3 or 4

Term 4: (14 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10001103	Applied Arboriculture & Urban Forestry	No	2
10001113	Landscape Entomology	No	3
10001149	Urban Ecology	No	3
10001198	Urban Soils	No	3
10809198 or 10809188	Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology	Yes	3

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Joe Hoffman, BS, MF
To students and apprentices pursuing rewarding careers in arboriculture, Joe brings the experience of 15+ years in the field and over two decades of teaching and training. The joy he derives from serving students is evidenced by several years of bringing students to industry conferences and leading student clubs. Joe is also an ISA Certified Arborist®, earned his bachelor’s in urban forestry from UW-Stevens Point, and holds a master of forestry degree from Virginia Tech.

“There’s great joy in walking alongside people and helping them experience their curiosities blossoming into discovery and learning.”

Luke Scheberl, MS
Luke earned his MS in soil science from UW–Stevens Point. He also holds a BS in urban forestry. He is an ISA Certified Arborist® and a Wisconsin Certified Pesticide Applicator (3.0). His experience includes over 10 years in landscape/turf management, commercial tree care (climbing, lift, planting, and treating), tree inventories, soil assessment, and research. He taught for three years at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha before joining Mid-State Technical College full-time in 2021.

“Arboriculture isn’t just another job. It is a passionate industry where outside is your daily office and trees are your clients! We do have fun here!”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Diagnose ornamental plant disorders.
Identify woody plants by common and scientific name.
Apply tree biology for arboricultural maintenance practices.
Adhere to industry safety standards.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad