Program Overview


The Olive-Harvey College Process Technology (PTech) program prepares students to work as entry-level operators or technicians in the industries of oil and gas production, chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, mining & milling, power generation & utilities, waste & water treatment, seafood & other food processing companies, and other related manufacturing industries. The program prepares graduates to demonstrate technical knowledge and skills in computer applications, instrument systems, process systems, process troubleshooting, and quality and safety controls.

 


Duties of Process Technicians


Process Technicians are well-trained and skilled plant operators who work in various manufacturing companies. The technician monitors and controls mechanical, physical and chemical changes using state-of-the-art computer control systems. They may also work outside taking samples, monitoring the equipment, and solving problems in a team environment.

Process technology involves every aspect of chemical processing: extracting and refining chemicals such as oil and natural gas, refining them, and carefully monitoring the process that makes it happen. Technicians are a key member of the team responsible for planning, analyzing and controlling production.

 

Job Outlook For Graduates


The process technology profession has an excellent job outlook. Process Technicians will be in demand more than ever in the coming years. A shortage of Process Technicians currently exists within the chemical, oil and gas exploration and production and power generation industries and future projections do not offer relief. Compounding the problem is the abnormally high number of retirements projected over the next ten years.

 

Financial packages for Process Technicians usually include health and dental insurance, profit sharing and retirement plans. Local salaries vary from region to region, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for a process technician is $40,000.

 

Program Requirements*

 

A total of 63 credit hours is required for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Process
Technology. Click Here for the suggested course sequence for AAS degree & Advanced Certificate.

 

*For questions regarding curriculum, requirements and policies please contact the Office of Instruction at 773-291-6497.

 

 

Contact Us

 

If you would like more information on this program or other academic programs at Olive-Harvey College call 773.291.6256 or fill out our contact form.