Mar 19, 2024  
2020-21 Catalog 
    
2020-21 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Process Operations Technology


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Program Coordinator Jim Witt

Process technicians monitor and control the operation of industrial processing equipment, and will continue to be a vital link in the success of the processing industries in what is now a competitive and global marketplace. Process technicians work in industries such as petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, oil and gas production and power generation. During the past 10 years, the work required of the process technician has become increasingly complex. Process technicians now are required to possess more knowledge and skills in use of computers, computer process control, regulatory compliance, team work, process and product quality assurance, process problem solving and process troubleshooting. In the foreseeable future, there will be an in-creased demand for trained process technicians in these processing industries because a high number of retirements are expected from an aging work force. As a result, companies are eager to hire qualified workers who have been trained in process industry operations and who possess the knowledge and skills needed to perform successfully in more technically oriented process operations jobs.

The Process Operations Technology program will provide you with the technical and personal skills now required to work as a process technician in most process industries. You will receive training to help you to succeed in this lucrative job market that will include processing equipment, process operations, process troubleshooting, process instrumentation and process safety, health and environmental compliance requirements. When you complete the Process Operations Technology program, you will have the skills required to work in various types of processing plants in many locations throughout the country.

Note: Enrollment as an intern in process technology is not automatic but highly selective; the program coordinator will approve the selection of all interns based upon strict conditions of academic performance, fitness for the work, consultation with the employer and with the Dean and other instructors.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe the issues associated with safety, health, and the environment within the process industry
  2. Summarize the different types of fires and what is needed to extinguish them
  3. Explain why quality is the driving force behind any industry, and how this affects a process operator’s ability to be successful
  4. Understand the application of instrumentation within the process industry
  5. Describe the major pieces of equipment and their applications within the process industry
  6. Identify the problems that arise within different processes and properly troubleshoot and solve them in an efficient manner
  7. Start-up, operate, monitor, and make necessary changes to a process unit
  8. Apply the knowledge obtained in a working environment

Nature of the Work: A process technician is a key member of a team of people responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and controlling the production of products from the acquisition of raw materials through the production and distribution of products to customers in a variety of process industries. The duties of a process technician include maintaining a safe work environment, controlling, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment, analyzing, evaluating and communicating process information and training others, while continuing their own life-long learning process. In addition, a process technician must understand and apply quality assurance principles to all activities performed to ensure customer satisfaction. While performing these duties, the process technician will be required to wear personal protective safety equipment, use industrial safety devices and promote safety among co-workers. The life of a process technician must be flexible since they will work shift work in all types of weather. This career provides a variety of experiences for an individual looking for a challenging occupation.

Skills and Abilities: The successful process technician will possess basic knowledge of chemistry and physics related to the process industries, as well as knowledge of basic computer operations. In addition, it is essential for a process technician to have the ability to work effectively in a team-based environment. Strong oral and written communication skills are important so that the process technician can operate within the organizational structure of the company, as well as describe activities for relief personnel, maintain data logs, prepare reports and other needed materials.


Process Operations Technology - Biochem - PTECH/BIO.AAS


Associate in Applied Science Degree

Total: 14 Credit Hours


Total: 16 Credit Hours


Third Semester


Total: 13 Credit Hours


Total: 17-20 credit hours


Total credit hours required for the A.A.S. in Process Operations Tech - Biochem: 60


 


Process Operations Technology - Bioprocess - PTECH/BIOPRCS.AAS


Associate in Applied Science Degree

Total: 14 Credit Hours


Total: 15 credit hours


Third Semester


Total: 14 credit hours


Total: 17-20 credit hours


Total credit hours required for the A.A.S. in Process Operations Tech - Bioprocess: 60


 


Process Operations Technology - Petroleum - PTECH.AAS


Associate in Applied Science Degree

Total: 14 Credit Hours


Total: 16 Credit Hours


Third Semester


Total: 13 Credit Hours


Total: 17-20 credit hours


Total credit hours required for the A.A.S. Process Operations Tech - Petroleum: 60


 


Process Operations Technology - PTEC.CP


Certificate of Proficiency

 


Bioprocess Technology - PTECH/BIOPRCS.CC


Certificate of Completion

Total: 16 Credit Hours


Total credit hours required for the Certificate of Completion in Bioprocess Technology: 16


 

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