Instrumentation and Control Technology

Instrumentation and Control Technology - AAS-T

This program will prepare you for a career as an instrumentation and control technician for high-tech industries such as power generation plants, water treatment facilities, chemical manufacturing plants, canneries, aerospace plants, bio-pharmaceutical plants, semi conductor manufacturing plants, and pulp and paper mills.

You will learn how to maintain, repair, and troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems in industries that increasingly rely on automation. Instrumentation & Control is a great program choice if you’re looking for a high-wage career with employment potential across the nation and beyond.

Instrumentation & Control program Video

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

62% BTC graduate placement rate¹

$61,367 starting annual wage²
$75,397 average annual wage²
$94,787 potential annual wage²

Employment and Wage Data Sources

¹Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect WA/OR employment for students enrolled at BTC between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

²Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates and reflect 2018-21 employment. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data from the Washington SBCTC that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

Estimated Program Costs
Estimated costs based on 6 quarters to complete this program
The first quarter of study will likely be more expensive as students pay for materials needed to start the program.
Average Tuition and Fees per Quarter: $3,100
Average cost per credit: $151
Total Tuition and Fees: $18,600
Average annual cost of living in Bellingham
Living expenses (housing and food): $16,512
Transportation: $1,935
Miscellaneous/Personal: $1,800
TOTAL: $20,247

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program admits students in the Fall, one time per year.

Students are encouraged to have their high school diploma or GED by graduation, because many employers require this credential as a condition of employment.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

Early Program Course Requirements

Completion of Intermediate Algebra (MATH 099) or placement into Pre-Calculus (MATH&141) is a required prerequisite for enrollment in this Program.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

Classes

Total Program Credits: 123

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes
You are now able to sign up for classes in ctcLink using the class list below. It requires certain steps to work smoothly. Please read and follow the instructions:
Once at the beginning of each session:
- Follow the link below which will open the ctcLink login screen in a new browser tab
- In the new tab login to ctcLink
- Return back to this tab
These steps log you into ctcLink and keep you logged in until you log out manually or close your browser. If you or a public computer it is good security practice to logout and close all browser windows when you are done.
Proceed to ctcLink login in new window
For each class:
- Click on the name of the class below to show future offerings
- Click the 'Find in ctcLink' button below the class you wish to find. (Button will only show if registration is open.)
- A new tab with the ctcLink Class Search tool will open
- Without changing any of the filter options, click the 'Search' button
- Only the specific class you selected will show. If logged in following the steps above, you will be able to register for the class.

Quarter 1

AM 100

Advanced Manufacturing Pathways

Process Technology I (Equipment)

OR higher
Quarter 2

INST 102

Advanced Electrical Fundamentals

10 CR

INST 103 Practical Advanced Electrical Fundamentals 6 CR
This class builds upon the skills in Advanced Electrical Fundamentals through practical application. Students will explore the fundamental properties and applications of electricity, electromagnetism, semiconductors, amplifiers, operational amplifiers, and digital technologies through hands on projects & experimentation. The course will expand upon both AC & DC circuits and cover semi-conducting components, amplifier circuits, and an introduction to digital communications & programming. This course continues with and builds upon the basics of current, voltage, resistance, inductance, capacitance, reactance, impedance, and so much more through the hands-on application of Ohm¿s law and many others. Next, students will learn the practical operation of semiconductors and work to gain a strong foundational knowledge of those devices, and how amplifiers are constructed and function, and then finally end with a robust introduction to the world of digital technology. This course teaches students to use a logical course of correction to an electronic problem in a minimum amount of time, as well as the application of Ohm¿s Law and the construction of circuits to verify electronic theory, and provide the knowledge necessary to build the foundation for a thorough understanding of electronics. Students will learn generic troubleshooting technique, tricks of the trade from analog to digital, effective communication reporting, proper panelboard and terminations assembly, how to field construct power supplies, use semiconducting devices in circuits, and interpret digital signals and logic gates.
Prerequisites:
AM 105 with a D or higher. Completion of INST 102 with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment in INST 102
Current & Future Offerings:

ENGL& 101

English Composition I

5 CR

A composition course in which students read, analyze, and write essays using a variety of rhetorical strategies, as well as develop and verbally express ideas clearly and effectively. The critical reading of essays will provide a basis for the student's own critical writing, which will reflect a command of college-level literacy standards. Attention to writing fundamentals and stylistic techniques will also be included. Word processing, email and internet knowledge required.
Prerequisite:
ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension score of 85 or RDG 085 with a C or higher, AND ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 86 or ENGL 092 with a B or higher or AENGL 100 with a C or higher

Current & Future Offerings:

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MWF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Gordon	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MW	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Gordon	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Bracy	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	TTh	1:10 PM-3:20 PM	Gordon	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MW	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Gordon	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Richards	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Bracy	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	MWF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM		Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	Th	10:30 AM-12:40 PM		Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024				Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

OR higher
Quarter 3
INST 107 Digital Automation Fundamentals 8 CR
This course will focus on the concepts, terminology, components, and circuits that combine to form basic digital motor control systems, human machine interfaces (HMIs), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Students will learn the concepts, skills, and theories needed to wire, configure, and use electromechanical relays to control electric motors and other discrete (on/off) control elements for real processes. Students will also learn how to wire, configure, and use variable-frequency motor controls to use with three-phase AC motors as final control elements. After covering digital and motor controls, the course will then proceed to PLCs and HMIs. While covering PLCs and HMIs, the course will discuss how to wire, program, and configure PLCs to perform discrete control functions including combinational logic, counters, and timers. Additionally, students will learn how to program data-handling functions in PLCs including comparison, arithmetic, and data transfer instructions. Students will also learn to connect and program HMI panels to PLCs. Students will learn generic troubleshooting techniques & procedures and tricks of the trade from analog to digital as well.
Prerequisites:
INST 102 with a D or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024 MTWThF 10:30 AM-12:00 PM Anderson Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
INST 108 Practical Digital Automation Fundamentals 8 CR
This course will focus on the practical applications of circuits and science that combine to form basic digital motor control systems, human machine interfaces (HMIs), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Through hands on construction and experimentation, students will gain the skills needed to wire, configure, and use electromechanical relays to control electric motors and other discrete (on/off) control elements for real processes. Students will also learn how to wire, configure, and use variable-frequency motor controls to use with three-phase AC motors as final control elements. After covering digital and motor controls, this course will then proceed to PLCs and HMIs. While covering PLCs and HMIs, students will program and configure PLCs to perform discrete control functions including combinational logic, counters, and timers. Additionally, students will learn how to program data-handling functions in PLCs including comparison, arithmetic, and data transfer instructions. Students will also learn to connect and program HMI panels to PLCs. The course culminates with a group project constructing a fully automated system using both a PLC & HMI. Students will learn generic troubleshooting techniques & procedures and tricks of the trade from analog to digital as well.
Prerequisites:
INST 103 with a D or higher. Completion of INST 107 with a D or higher or concurrent enrollment in INST 107
Current & Future Offerings:

CMST& 210

Interpersonal Communications

5 CR

Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.
Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading (247) or higher or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and ACCUPLACER Writing (245) or higher or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.

Current & Future Offerings:

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MWF	10:10 AM-11:30 AM	Burns	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
09/26/2023-12/05/2023	T	10:30 AM-12:40 PM	Zamora	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MW	8:30 AM-9:50 AM	Zamora	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	TTh	1:10 PM-3:20 PM	Burns	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Burns	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	MWF	2:10 PM-3:30 PM		Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	T	10:30 AM-12:40 PM		Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024				Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

Quarter 4

INST 240

Pressure and Level Measurement

6 CR

INST 250

Final Control Elements

Quarter 5
INST 205 Job Preparation I 1 CR
Preparation for employment including resume preparation, cover letter writing, job search engine use, and interviewing skills. Co-requisite: INST 241
Current & Future Offerings:

INST 241

Temperature & Flow Measurement

6 CR

INST 260

Data Acquisition Systems

4 CR

INST 262

Digital Control Systems

Quarter 6
INST 206 Job Preparation II 1 CR
This course teaches you how to get the jobs that are not listed in classified ads or job search engines. You will learn how to professionally network, research employers for job potential, conduct informational interviews, and otherwise take an active approach in securing employment within your professional field. Co-requisite: INST 242
Current & Future Offerings:

INST 242

Analytical Measurement

View past class requirements for this program.
Select the year closest to the year started, without going over, to see program requirements for a student who started the program that year:

Program Outcomes

Communication - Communicates and expresses thoughts across a variety of mediums (verbal, written, visually) to effectively persuade, inform, and clarify ideas with colleagues.
Time Management - Arrives on time and prepared to work; budgets time an meets deadlines when performing technical tasks and projects.
Safety - Complies with national, state, and local safety regulations when repairing, calibrating, and installing instruments.
Diagnose and Repair Existing Instruments - Assesses, diagnoses, and repairs faulty instruments in measurement and control systems using logical procedures and appropriate test equipment.
Install and Configure New Instruments - Builds, configures, and installs new instrument systems according to plans, applying industry construction standards, and ensuring correct system operation when complete.
Process Control Optimization - Improve system functions by evaluating control system performance; implements strategies to tune and stabilize control systems.
Instrument Calibration - Assesses instrument accuracy and correct inaccuracies using appropriate calibration procedures and test equipment.
Documents Instrument Systems - Interprets and creates technical documents (electronic schematics, loop diagrams, and P&IDs) according to industry (EIA, ISA) standards.
Self-Directing Learning - Selects and researches relevant information sources to learn new principles, technologies, and techniques.
Career Development - Researches and seeks opportunities for promotion and job advancements in work and career settings.

Employment Outlook

The average annual wage in this field is $65,510 with an earning potential of about $77,012 per year.* The need for industry to reduce operating expenses requires continual investment in automation, which means more jobs for instrumentation technicians.

Most program graduates work as instrumentation and process control technicians in bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, oil refineries, food processing, pulp/paper mills, power plants, metal smelters, systems integrators, research and development or water/sewage treatment facilities. Opportunities also exist in medical instrumentation, chemical plants, canneries, aerospace, sales and communications.

Faculty & Support

Matthew Ziels

Degrees and Credentials
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State
AAS, Instrumentation & Control Technology, Bellingham Technical College

Ryan Anderson

Degrees and Credentials
Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State

Contacts

If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.

Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email AdvancedManufacturingNav@btc.edu

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	TTh	11:00 AM-12:00 PM	Anderson	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	TTh	12:30 PM-1:30 PM	Anderson	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	TTh	4:50 PM-5:50 PM	Donner	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	TTh	6:00 PM-7:00 PM	Donner	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Aries	Hybrid Asynchronous
LAB	F	8:00 AM-10:00 AM	Aries	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times; all online work is completed asynchronously.
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	F	12:00 PM-2:00 PM	Aries	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	F	2:00 PM-3:00 PM	Aries	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MF	8:00 AM-9:45 AM	Anderson	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	W	8:00 AM-10:00 AM	Anderson	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	TTh	2:00 PM-3:30 PM	Donner	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	TTh	3:40 PM-4:40 PM	Donner	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MW	2:00 PM-3:20 PM	Donner	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	MW	3:30 PM-5:20 PM	Donner	Face to Face
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	TTh	8:00 AM-10:00 AM	Cory	Face to Face
LAB	TTh	10:00 AM-11:00 AM	Cory	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	TTh	8:00 AM-10:00 AM	Anderson	Hybrid Synchronous
LAB	TTh	10:00 AM-11:00 AM	Anderson	Face to Face
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	TTh	8:00 AM-10:00 AM	Aries	Face to Face
LAB	TTh	10:00 AM-11:00 AM	Aries	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MTWThF	10:30 AM-12:30 PM	Anderson	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
	Find in ctcLink

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	MW	9:00 AM-10:00 AM	Aries	Face to Face
LAB	MW	11:00 AM-3:00 PM	Aries	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	F	10:15 AM-12:15 PM	Aries	Face to Face
LAB	TTh	9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Aries	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/08/2023	F	1:00 PM-3:00 PM	Aries	Face to Face
LAB	TTh	12:00 PM-3:00 PM	Aries	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.

Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	F	9:00 AM-11:00 AM	Ziels	Face to Face
LAB	TTh	9:00 AM-11:00 AM	Ziels	Face to Face
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
	Find in ctcLink

Fall 2023
09/20/2023-12/06/2023	MW	12:30 PM-1:50 PM	Smith	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
09/20/2023-12/08/2023			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
Winter 2024
01/03/2024-03/22/2024	MW	12:30 PM-1:50 PM	Smith	Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
	Find in ctcLink
01/03/2024-03/22/2024			Smith	Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
	Find in ctcLink
Spring 2024
04/02/2024-06/21/2024	MW	2:10 PM-3:30 PM		Hybrid Synchronous
This is a hybrid class. The class meets both face-to-face and online for scheduled classes at specific times.
04/02/2024-06/21/2024				Online Asynchronous
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.

Instrumentation and Control Technology

Instrumentation and Control Technology

Instrumentation and Control Technology - AAS-T

Employment Information

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

Early Program Course Requirements

What are My Next Steps?

Classes

Total Program Credits: 123

Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Quarter 5

Quarter 6

View past class requirements for this program.

Program Outcomes

Employment Outlook

Faculty & Support

Matthew Ziels

Degrees and Credentials

Ryan Anderson

Degrees and Credentials

Contacts