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 local employers in power generation, refining, manufacturing, and many other industries. Currently, our primary 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 skills that employers want.
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
75%1 BTC graduate placement rate (Employment Security Department- WA and OR only)
94%3 BTC graduate placement rate (faculty-tracked, national)
91%3 BTC in-field graduate placement rate (faculty-tracked, national)
$70,860 starting annual wage2
$84,366 average annual wage2
$96,792 potential annual wage2
This program has rolling admission.
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.
AM 100 | Advanced Manufacturing Pathways | 3 CR |
PTEC 101 | Introduction to Process Technology | 4 CR |
PTEC 102 | Process Technology Equipment | 5 CR |
MATH& 141 | Precalculus I | 5 CR |
CTE 108 | Job Skills | 1 CR |
PTEC 103 | Safety, Health & Environment | 5 CR |
PTEC 104 | Process Drawings | 2 CR |
PTEC 105 | Process Technology II (Systems) | 5 CR |
CMST& 210 | Interpersonal Communications | 5 CR |
PTEC 110 | Process Instrumentation I | 5 CR |
CHEM& 110 | Chemical Concepts w/Lab | 5 CR |
OR |
CHEM& 121 | Intro to Chemistry | 5 CR |
OR |
CHEM& 161 | General Chemistry w/ Lab I | 5 CR |
ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 CR |
PTEC 203 | Safety, Health & Environment II | 5 CR |
PTEC 211 | Troubleshooting | 5 CR |
ENGL& 235 | Technical Writing | 5 CR |
MATH& 142 | Precalculus II | 5 CR |
PTEC 205 | Dynamic Process Control | 5 CR |
PTEC 212 | Industrial Processes & Equipment | 5 CR |
PTEC 270 | Process Technology Project I | 5 CR |
OR |
PTEC 290 | Internship I (in summer quarter) | 5 CR |
MATH& 151 | Calculus I | 5 CR |
PTEC 207 | Quality Control | 5 CR |
PTEC 215 | Process Technology III (Operations) | 5 CR |
PHYS& 221 | Engineering Physics I w/Lab | 5 CR |
OR |
PHYS& 114 | General Physics I w/lab | 5 CR |
After successfully completing the AAS-T degree, students will be able to:
Over the next 10 years, according to future retirement data, there will be a great need for trained process operators in the industry, both locally and nationally. Process Technology Program students can expect to earn excellent wages and continue to have job opportunities. Employers across a range of industries want to hire people with strong problem-solving and hands-on skills, who are trained and ready to go.
Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.
A total of 84% of BTC Process Technology graduates are employed within nine months of graduation. Of graduates employed in-field, their median wage nine months after graduating is $96,811. Please see “Employment Information” above for more details.
Our processing technology graduates are readily employable and actively recruited by local, regional, national, and international industries. BTC collaborates with local industry, employers, and our state and local governments to determine the skills our workforce requires to keep the economy strong.
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.
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