Q: What Does a Process Operator Do?
A: A process operator controls and monitors the systems that run chemical plants. Chemical plants produce and process chemicals that are used to make almost everything around you – the tires on your car, the CDs you listen to and the computer you use to surf the Internet. Process operators gather information using instrumentation and lab equipment to maintain safe work areas and keep plants in compliance with regulatory requirements. Operators work both indoors and outdoors along side chemical engineers, chemists and other professionals. They use knowledge of computers, math, physics and chemistry to keep their plants running safely and efficiently. Process operators need strong communications skills – the abilities to write, express views orally and listen – in order to succeed at their jobs. Click here to see what process operators in your area have to say about a career in the chemical industry.

Q: What else can I do with a PTEC degree other than be a process operator?
A: In Louisiana, a PTEC degree can land you a job as a process operator in the chemical industry. A PTEC degree can also prepare you to work in the oil refinery and pharmaceutical industries as well as for other heavy industrial manufacturers. Once you get a PTEC degree and become a process operator, your career options are open. You can become a laboratory technician or a safety technician or work in ordering and shipping, training or quality control. Most companies will pay for your education if you want to continue with college. Many of the credits you’ll earn with a PTEC degree are transferable to four-year-institutions.

Q: What is PTEC?
A: PTEC (Process Technology) is the standardized curriculum for a two-year associate of applied science degree that prepares people to work as process technology operators in the Louisiana chemical industry. The chemical industry and the state of Louisiana invested more than $3 million in glass lab equipment at the campuses offering PTEC.

Q: Can I get grant money, financial aid or scholarships? A: Some Louisiana chemical companies provide PTEC scholarships to local high school students and adults of any age with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Please click here to view the scholarships offered in your area. [Link to scholarship page.] Q: How much does a process operator make? A: A process operator makes a starting salary of almost $35,000 and $40,000 within 30 months. The average Louisianian makes a salary of $28,000 – that’s average salary, not starting salary.

Q: Where can I enroll in PTEC?
A: The PTEC degree program is offered at seven different Louisiana colleges.

Q: What kind of courses do I have to take to get a PTEC degree?
A: Visit this web site to see a course description of the process technology degree program: www.theltc.net/associate/process/default.htm

Q: Is a PTEC degree a “real” degree?
A: Yes, the PTEC degree is a real degree because it is an associate of applied science degree. In fact, the projection is that chemical companies will move to hiring only those who have a PTEC degree.

Q: How long does it take to get a PTEC degree?
A: Two years, if you take a full class load. Do you have a question that you would like answered? Just e-mail us and we’ll get your question answered!