-Certificate of Completion
-Associate of Applied Science Degree
-Associate of Applied Science – Transfer Degree
-Program Length: Approx. 3-6 quarters

Overview
If you’d like a high-paying career upon graduating from BTC, then you should consider Process Technology. This program will prepare you for a position as a process technician or operator for employers in power generation, refining, manufacturing, and many other industries. Currently, our primary local employers are the four refineries in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

You’ll learn how to monitor and control processing equipment, troubleshoot and solve equipment problems, test product quality, and implement safety standards and procedures. The Process Technology program provides the technical and academic knowledge you need, along with valuable communication and interpersonal skill that employers want.

The Process Technology program at BTC is designated as The Northwest Center of Excellence for Process and Control Technology within the Washington State Community and Technical College system. Currently this is the only such program in the western United States except California. The program is a member of the Center of Advancement of Process Technology (CAPT), an NSF funded Advanced Technology Center in Texas. Core instruction is based on standardized industry-based curriculum developed for CAPT.

Students can typically enroll as space is available at the start of fall, winter, or spring quarters; part-time enrollment is available with instructor permission. General education and program-specific classes are offered days, evenings, and online. Check our website for this program’s specific class times.
http://www.btc.ctc.edu/DegreesCertificates/indexDegreesCertificates.asp

Objective
Preparation for professional careers in process technology.

Courses
COM 170 Oral & Written Communication
ELTR 100 DC 1
ELTR 105 DC 2
ELTR 110 AC 1
ELTR 115 AC 2
ELTR 120 Semiconductors 1
ELTR 125 Semiconductors 2
ELTR 130 OP-AMPS 1
ELTR 135 OP-AMPS 2
ELTR 140 Digital 1
ELTR 145 Digital 2
ENGT 122 CAD I: Basics
ETEC 150 Electronic Communications
INST 200 Intro to Instrumentation Profession
INST 205 Job Preparation I
INST 206 Job Preparation II
INST 230 Motor Controls
INST 231 PLC Programming
INST 232 PLC Systems
INST 240 Pressure and Level Measurement
INST 241 Temperature and Flow Measurement
INST 242 Analytical Measurement
INST 250 Final Control Elements
INST 251 PID Control
INST 252 Loop Tuning
INST 260 Data Acquisition Systems
INST 262 DCS and Fieldbus
INST 263 Control Strategies
INST 290 Internship
MATH 141 Precalculus I
CMST 210 Interpersonal Communication
PHYS 121 General Physics I

Career Options
Process technicians may find career opportunities in a variety of industries including: chemical, petrochemical, refining, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, power generation, utilities, food and beverage, and water treatment. In many instances, process operators will interface with other technical personnel, such as maintenance electricians, instrument technicians, chemical laboratory technicians, plant engineers, industrial trainers and managers.

Future retirement data indicates that over the next 10 years there will be a great need for trained process operators in the industry, both locally and nationally. Within one year after graduation, the estimated employment rate for this program is 100%. The typical graduate starting wage is $26.86 with a wage potential of $36.18. Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.