Process Technology

Q: Where can process technicians work?

Graduates often work in chemical plants, refineries, wastewater treatment facilities, terminals, pipelines, paper mills, and pharmaceutical plants.

Career/Technical Certificate

If you have a technical mind, you’re in luck. Houston is home to the largest petrochemical and refining complex in the nation! As a skilled process technician, you will always be in demand. Train in our industry-designed labs and be one of the many students hired directly from our program.

Train in State-of-the-Art Labs

Learn in industry-designed labs built with local petrochemical companies. Gain hands-on experience in real-world process operations.

Prepare for Gulf Coast Industry

Houston is home to the nation’s largest petrochemical and refining complex. Skilled process technicians continue to be in high demand.

Learn by Doing

Practice troubleshooting, process control, and plant operations through hands-on training that reflects real industrial environments.

Built With Industry Support

The program is recognized by the North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA). You’ll also earn the Texas Skill Standards recognized program seal on your AAS degree.

Careers

Chemical Plant and System Operators:

$101,148

Opportunities

Process Technology program graduates can find employment in:

Chemical plants
Refineries
Wastewater treatment plants
Canneries
Pharmaceutical plants
Paper mills
Terminals
Pipelines
Fuel storage depots

Locations

Central Campus

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Salary Source: Texas Wages

Chemical Technician, Enhanced Skills Certificate

Certificate

This certificate is designed for students who have completed the Process Technology AAS degree and want to expand their technical skills. You’ll build knowledge in chemical process operations, laboratory procedures, and industry practices used in today’s process industries.

4 Months

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 12 credits for this certificate in one term.

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Process Technology, AAS

Career/Technical

The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares you for careers in process operations and industrial production. You’ll learn process systems, safety procedures, troubleshooting, equipment operations, and how to read piping and instrumentation diagrams used in industrial facilities.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in five terms, including a summer term.

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Process Technology, Level 2 Certificate

Certificate

The Level 2 Certificate prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. Accepted by most of the industry, the Level 2 Certificate will prepare you to become a plant operator responsible for equipment, the hazards of the chemicals, and the chemistry and physics involved in process technology.

1.5 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 48 credits for this certificate in four terms, including a summer term.

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Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared for entry-level careers in the field.

Study at state-of-the-art process laboratory facilities built in cooperation with local petrochemical companies. The world-class LyondellBasell Glass Distillation Plant offers real-world scenario experience. You'll engage in a work-based learning environment that will prepare you for your career.

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Industry Support and Program Accreditation

Texas Skill Standard Board

San Jacinto’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Process Technology is recognized by the Texas Skill Standard Board (TSSB). Students will earn the Texas Skill Standards recognized program seal affixed to their AAS credential.

North American Process Technology Alliance

Students graduating from the program are endorsed by the North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA). San Jacinto College works closely with industry as a member of NAPTA to maintain a curriculum reflecting current technology standards.

Ready to take the first step toward an exciting future? It’s time to apply to San Jac. We’ll guide you through the process and help you start building your future, today.

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Big decision, simple answers. Let’s clear it up.

What is process technology? Why study at San jac?

Process technology focuses on operating and monitoring industrial systems used in chemical plants, refineries, pipelines, and other processing facilities.

At San Jac's Process Technology program, you’ll learn the following:

process operations
equipment systems
troubleshooting
safety procedures
instrumentation
how to read piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).

San Jac works closely with industry partners and organizations like the North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA) to keep training aligned with current industry standards.

Is this program hands-on?

Yes. You’ll train in state-of-the-art labs that simulate real industrial environments, including process systems and plant operations.

Is this program recognized by industry? Why does that matter?

The program is recognized by the North American Process Technology Alliance (NAPTA). Program recognition shows that you’re learning skills that match current industry standards. NAPTA reviews and supports Process Technology programs to help prepare students for today’s workforce needs.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Process Technology is also recognized by the Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB). As a graduate, you’ll earn the Texas Skill Standards recognized program seal on your degree. This seal shows employers that your training meets skills and knowledge standards identified by industry leaders and recognized by the state of Texas.

These recognitions can help strengthen your resume and show employers that you completed a program aligned with industry expectations.

Where can process technicians work?

Graduates often work in the following facilities:

chemical plants
refineries
wastewater treatment facilities
terminals
pipelines
paper mills
pharmaceutical plants

Can I start with a certificate and continue toward a degree?

Yes. You can begin with the Process Technology Level 2 Certificate or go directly into the AAS degree. The pathway is designed to help you build skills step by step.

What can I do after completing the Process Technology AAS degree?

After earning the AAS degree, you can continue building your skills with the Chemical Technician Enhanced Skills Certificate or pursue transfer opportunities at partner universities.