Process Technology
A career in Process Technology provides excellent pay and employability for years to come. Students learn the technical and safety aspects of plant operations, responsibilities of plant operators, and the mechanical and chemical technology needed for working in related industrial operations.
LIMITED ENROLLMENT ON CAMPUS ONLY
Delivery method: On campus, online
Program begins: On campus (Fall, Spring - 4th semester may require online courses when beginning in a spring semester); online (every three to five weeks)
Overview
type:
Format:
On-campus / Online
Create More Career Opportunities in Process Technology (PTEC)
The Process Technology program at the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) focuses on the machines, technology, and work required to create a product such as natural gas, ethanol, food products, and more. It keeps up with the rapidly changing PTEC industry by leveraging state-of-the-art, interactive learning tools aligned to actual on-the-job tasks.
The program covers the safety and technical aspects of operating the plant, the work of a plant operator, and the mechanical and chemical technology needed for working in similar industrial operations.
Gain the skills and education needed for success
This online and on-campus program prepares students for employment in operating refineries, ethanol plants, gasification plants, petrochemical plants, and natural gas processing plants.
Students learn the technical and safety aspects of plant operations, the responsibilities of plant operators and the mechanical and chemical technology needed for working in related industrial operations.
A limited number of students will be enrolled in August and January for courses on campus. Courses offered online begin every 3-5 weeks and are not limited to the number of students choosing to enroll.
This program has minimum entrance requirements. Details can be found here.
Be in demand
A career in Process Technology (PTEC) provides excellent pay and employability for years to come. High demand is expected for process plant operators as the existing workforce retires and as the industry evolves and expands especially in the Bakken region.
Many process operation positions in North Dakota are given a "bright outlook" designation, projecting a growth rate of 20% or greater from 2016-20261.
Recent BSC Process Technology graduates report 97% placement rates, with earnings up to $39/hour2.
Earn a degree quickly
The AAS can be completed in four semesters and consists of 53 credit hours of specialized courses and 15 credit hours of general education courses.
Students seeking the certificate complete 53 credit hours of specialized courses in four semesters, with four credit hours of general education.
There is an option for an accelerated degree path allowing students to complete a certificate or degree in less than two years. Courses may also be taken individually for professional development.
Prospective students should be prepared for the physical demands of the work of entry-level technician positions when considering this program which can include working a rotating shift and passing a physical exam, which may include: lifting 50+ pounds, climbing ladders, working in confined spaces, heights, etc. When applying for jobs applicants may also be required to pass a drug screen and an eye exam, including the ability to distinguish between colors accurately.
This program is offered online or on-campus.
NOTE: Online students in this program are required to complete 80 hours of job shadowing as part of the ENRT 220 - Practical Applications course. The course should be completed in the final semester of the program. This requirement provides graduates with hands-on field competencies needed for working at an energy site. The Practical Applications instructor will work with students at the start of the ENRT 220 course to find a viable job shadow location. Students currently employed at an energy-related company often satisfy this requirement at their place of employment.
Additional Program Costs
Please see the Tuition & Fees page for information on credit hour tuition and mandatory fees.
PROP textbook costs are estimated at $300 per semester. There are 4 semesters in this program.
For more information contact:
bsc.energy@bismarckstate.edu
701-224-5651 • 800-852-5685
1Job Service North Dakota Labor Market Information Center
2Bismarck State College First Destination Reports