Process Technology (PTEC) Associates Degree

During the early 1990s, several of the lake area plants recognized the need to begin training a pool of potential workers to fill vacancies in the field of process operator.  Training representatives from these facilities worked with McNeese State University to develop a standardized curriculum for a two-year associate of applied science degree.

The degree prepares students for work as process operators in the chemical, oil and gas, power generating and pharmaceutical industries.

In 2000, the state of Louisiana adopted the McNeese program as a model and implemented a standardized program at its technical colleges across the state.  Locally, the PTEC Program is offered at McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College.

The program of study involves a broad range of traditional academic subjects as well as more specialized courses in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.  The students are also taught environmental, safety and operational topics.  Extensive emphasis is given to technical courses directly related to the operational aspects of process technology.

This training prepares individuals to monitor, operate and maintain equipment used in the processing of raw materials into marketable refining, petrochemical, chemicals and power generation.

McNeese also offers a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Process Technology.

Now that the PTEC degree program has been offered in Southwest Louisiana for a number of years, students earning the degree have enjoyed a 92 percent job placement rate along the Gulf Coast.  Having a PTEC degree gives students a leg up when it comes to landing a job in these highly competitive fields.

The LAIA PTEC Committee serves in an advisory role to the program and helps to place students in jobs with local industry when they are available.  The committee is also active on a state and regional level.