Associate of Applied Science

The curriculum for the Process Technology (PTEC) Associate of Applied Science addresses a high-demand field. Upon graduation from the program, students are prepared to enter the employment market as entry-level process operators for refinery, chemical, and other industry-related areas.

The primary responsibilities of a Process Technician include:

  • Oversee plant operations.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot operating equipment.
  • Load and unload trucks and railcars.
  • Perform general housekeeping.
  • Ensure plant adheres to safety and environmental rules.
  • Conceptualize, design, and implement plant improvement projects'
  • Identify process deviations and perform root cause/corrective action.
  • Conduct area inspections and audits.
  • Perform calibration check of scale accuracy at the beginning of each work shift.
  • Control and operate equipment such as loaders, drills, tractors, trucks, crushers, excavators, fork lifts, bulldozers and cranes.
  • Handle material and cargo.
  • Perform preventive and routine maintenance.
  • Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Observe gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Replenish inventory as needed.
  • Hire, train, and supervise employees.
  • Devise schedules and shifts.

To receive the Process Technology certificate, technical diploma, and/or degree, the student must:

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better in all credit hours that are to be used towards the award.
  • Earn a “C” or better in all courses.
  • Earn a minimum of 12 credit hours in technical course work (Process Technology courses) at BRCC.
  • Complete the coursework listed below.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

  • Work effectively as a team member and demonstrate that they can exhibit professional and ethical behavior in the workforce.
  • Operate process technology equipment and systems as a process technician.
  • Practice environmental safety and health guidelines as a process technician.

First Semester

  • Any General Education course in Mathematics or PHIL 2113, Introduction to Logic - 3 Credit Hours
  • ENGL 1013 English Composition I - 3 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 1013 Introduction to Process Technology - 3 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 2033 Safety, Health, and Environment - 3 Credit Hours
  • CSCI 1013 Introduction to Computer Technology or CSCI 22031 Microcomputer Applications in Business - 3 Credit Hours

Semester Total: 15 Credit Hours

Second Semester

  • SPCH 2013 Public Speaking - 3 Credit Hours
  • PHSC 1023, Physical Science I (3) and PHSC 1021, Physical Science I Lab (1) or PHYS 2113, General Physics I (3) and PHYS 2111, General Physics I Lab (1) - 4 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 1312 Process Instrumentation - 2 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 1322 Process Instrumentation Lab - 2 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 1612 Process Technology I Equipment - 2 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 1622 Process Technology I Equipment Lab - 2 Credit Hours

Semester Total: 15 Credit Hours

Third Semester

  • CHEM 1043, Chemistry for PTEC Majors (3) and CHEM 1041, Chemistry Lab for PTEC Majors (1) or CHEM 1123, Chemistry I for Science Majors (3) and CHEM 1121, Chemistry I Lab (1) - 4 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 2073 Quality - 3 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 2423 Process Technology II Unit Systems - 3 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 2421 Process Technology II Unit Systems Lab - 1 Credit Hour
  • PTEC 2633 Fluid Mechanics - 3 Credit Hours

Semester Total: 14 Credit Hours

Fourth Semester

  • Any SACSCOC-accepted Gen-Ed. Humanities - 3 Credit Hours
  • ECON 2113 or 2213 or 2223 Economic Principles or Principles of Macroeconomics or Principles of Microeconomics - 3 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 2432 Process Technology III Operations - 2 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 2442 Process Technology III Operations Lab - 2 Credit Hours
  • PTEC 2443 Process Troubleshooting - 3 Credit Hours

Semester Total: 13 Credit Hours

Fifth Semester

  • PTEC 29134 Process Technology Internship - 3 Credit Hours

Semester Total: 3 Credit Hours

Total Program Credit Hours: 60

The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
 The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) sets standards for academic program accreditation, personal certification, and professional development for educators and industry professionals involved in integrating technology, leadership, and design. ATMAE accreditation logo

North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA)
 The North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA) is an organization of the Process Technology (PTEC) education providers and their business, industry, and community advisors cooperatively working toward their common goals.

NAPTA logo
Visit the alliance at http://www.naptaonline.org

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medium annual wage for process operators in Louisiana is $72,420.

Career Opportunities

  • Process operator
  • Supervisor
  • Material coordinator
  • Operation planner
  • Product Quality Inspectors