Home – TechEd in the Pelican State – Process Technology
Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) offers a highly specialized Process Technology (PTEC) program designed to train the next generation of operators for the petrochemical, refining, and manufacturing industries. This rigorous program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and is widely recognized for preparing graduates for stable, high-wage careers in a critical sector of the economy.
Program Overview and Admission Requirements
The PTEC A.A.S. degree is a 60-credit hour program that typically takes four semesters (two years) to complete, plus an additional semester for the required internship. The curriculum is developed in close collaboration with industry to ensure students are trained on current technologies and best practices.
BRCC operates an open-door admissions policy for the college itself, welcoming high school graduates and those with a GED or High School Equivalency. However, admission to the competitive PTEC program is selective.
General Program Requirements:
To receive the degree, students must:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better.
- Earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses used toward the award.
- Earn a minimum of 12 credit hours in technical PTEC coursework at BRCC.
The college also offers embedded credentials, including a Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) and a Technical Diploma (TD) in Process Technology, which can be earned as students progress toward the full A.A.S. degree.
Coursework and Skills Learned
The PTEC curriculum is a blend of specialized technical training and foundational academic courses necessary for success in a scientific and technical workplace. The program emphasizes hands-on training with sophisticated equipment, including a glycol training unit and DCS computer systems that simulate real-world plant operations.
Key Technical Coursework:
| Course Area | Focus and Application |
| Introduction to Process Technology | Foundational knowledge of the process industry and the core duties and responsibilities of an operator. |
| Plant Safety, Health, and Environment | In-depth training on industrial safety protocols, environmental regulations, and emergency response procedures. |
| Process Instrumentation | Principles of measurement, control loops, and the use of sensors and gauges to monitor and control complex processes. |
| Process Equipment | Detailed study of industrial hardware, including pumps, compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, and distillation columns. |
| Process Systems & Operations | Learning to operate and troubleshoot interconnected systems, focusing on unit operations and overall plant control. |
| Process Troubleshooting | Developing critical thinking and analytical skills to quickly identify and resolve operational and equipment failures. |
| Statistical Quality Control | Techniques for monitoring and maintaining product consistency and quality standards in an industrial setting. |
| Internship (PTEC 2913) | A required, valuable on-the-job experience with an industrial partner, often leading directly to employment. |
Required General Education & Related Courses:
The program also requires courses in core academic areas to ensure well-rounded professionals, including:
- English Composition and Public Speaking
- General Education Mathematics (or Logic)
- Physical Science (with lab) and Chemistry (with lab)
- Economics and a Humanities elective
- Computer Technology or Microcomputer Applications
A Pathway to In-Demand Careers
The PTEC degree is an excellent choice for a secure career due to the ongoing, high demand for qualified operators in the petrochemical and manufacturing industries.
- In-Demand Role: Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles as Process Technicians or Process Operators at industrial sites, which are essential for keeping plants running safely and efficiently. These are typically full-time, stable positions with competitive starting wages that often reach significantly higher than the average entry-level job.
- Industry Integration: BRCC works closely with area industry to align its curriculum and facilitate internship and apprenticeship opportunities. This direct connection means students are trained specifically on the skills employers need and often transition directly into full-time employment with their internship company.
- Career Growth: The A.A.S. degree provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth. Experienced process technicians can advance into supervisory roles, board operator positions, training coordination, or quality control management.