Process Technician

Are you looking for the education and training that will give your career a boost and allow you to get the job you want? This online Process Technician course provides an intensive overview of the skills necessary to become a process technician.

A process technician is involved throughout the manufacturing process. They operate equipment, oversee processes, document results, and adhere to strict protocols. This advanced manufacturing training will teach you the math, inspection, safety, machining, quality, electrical systems, automation, mechanical systems, motor controls, fluid systems, and joining necessary to be on your way to a successful career as a process technician.

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12 Months / 165 Course Hrs
Open Enrollment
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CSU Channel Islands

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Process Technician

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Course code: GES771

What you will learn

  • Troubleshooting
  • Six Sigma, 5S, Lean, and TPM
  • Inspection Methods
  • PLC Communication and Programming
  • Electrical, Mechanical, and Fluid Systems
  • Robot Maintenance and Installation
  • Fabrication and Assembly Processes

How you will benefit

  • Prepare for a career as a process technician, manufacturing technician, process engineer, equipment engineer, or lab technician
  • Gain confidence in your ability to perform your job
  • Get the education you need in a self-paced, online format
  • Enrolled students are invited to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions

How the course is taught

  • Self-paced, online course
  • 12 Months to complete
  • Open enrollment, begin anytime
  • 165 course hours
  1. Electrical Systems
    1. Electrical Units 101
    2. Safety for Electrical Work 111
    3. Introduction to Circuits 201
    4. Introduction to Magnetism 211
    5. DC Circuit Components 221
    6. NEC® Overview 231
    7. AC Fundamentals 241
    8. Electrical Instruments 251
    9. Electrical Print Reading 261
    10. DC Power Sources 271
    11. AC Power Sources 281
    12. Conductor Selection 291
    13. Series Circuit Calculations 301
    14. Parallel Circuit Calculations 311
    15. Battery Selection 321
  2. Fasteners
    1. Intro to Fastener Ergonomics 130
    2. Properties for Fasteners 200
    3. Introduction to Fastener Threads 221
    4. Overview of Threaded Fasteners 231
    5. Tools for Threaded Fasteners 235
    6. Overview of Non-Threaded Fasteners 241
    7. Understanding Torque 245
    8. Threaded Fastener Selection 255
  3. Hydraulics and Pneumatics
    1. Introduction to Fluid Systems 101
    2. The Forces of Fluid Power 201
    3. Safety for Hydraulics and Pneumatics 211
    4. Introduction to Pneumatic Components 231
    5. Fittings for Fluid Systems 251
    6. Preventative Maintenance for Fluid systems 261
    7. Pneumatic Power Variables 311
    8. Pneumatic Power Sources 312
    9. Hydraulic Schematics and Basic Circuit Design 342
    10. Pneumatic Control Valves 351
    11. Pneumatic Schematics and Basic Circuit Design 352
    12. Actuator Applications 361
    13. Contamination and Filter Selection 381
  4. Inspection
    1. Basic Measurement 101
    2. Calibration Fundamentals 111
    3. Basics of Tolerance 121
    4. Blueprint Reading 131
    5. Hole Standards and Inspection 141
    6. Thread Standards and Inspection 151
    7. Surface Texture and Inspection 201
    8. Interpreting Prints 231
    9. Introduction to GD&T 301
    10. In-Line Inspection Applications 381
  5. Lean
    1. Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
    2. Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
    3. Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
    4. Total Productive Maintenance 141
    5. 5S Overview 151
    6. Intro to Six Sigma 171
    7. Troubleshooting 181
    8. SPC Overview 211
    9. Metrics for Lean 231
    10. Process Flow Charting 241
    11. Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
    12. Six Sigma Goals and Tools 310
  6. Mechanical Systems
    1. Introduction to Mechanical Systems 101
    2. Safety for Mechanical Work 111
    3. Forces of Machines 121
    4. Power Transmission Components 201
    5. Mechanical Power Variables 202
    6. Lubricant Fundamentals 211
    7. Bearing Applications 221
    8. Spring Applications 231
    9. Belt Drive Applications 241
    10. Gear Applications 251
    11. Gear Geometry 261
    12. Clutch and Brake Applications 271
  7. Metal Cutting
    1. Safety for Metal Cutting 101
    2. Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
  8. Motor Controls
    1. Relays, Contractors, and Motor starters 201
    2. Control Devices 211
    3. Distribution Systems 221
    4. Limit Switches and Proximity Sensors 231
    5. Introduction to Electric Motors 301
    6. Symbols and Diagrams for Motors 311
    7. Logic and Line Diagrams 312
    8. DC Motor Applications 321
    9. AC Motor Applications 322
    10. Specs for Servomotors 330
    11. Solenoids 331
    12. Reversing Motor Circuits 341
    13. Reduced Voltage Starting 370
    14. Acceleration Methods 385
  9. PLCs
    1. Introduction to PLCs 201
    2. Hardware for PLCs 211
    3. Basics of Ladder Logic 221
    4. Numbering Systems and Codes 222
    5. PLC Inputs and Outputs 231
    6. Basic Programming for PLCs 241
    7. PLC Counters and Times 251
    8. Hand-Held Programmers of PLCs 280
    9. PLC Diagrams and Programs 300
    10. Overview of PLC Registers 305
    11. PLC Program Control Instructions 310
    12. Math for PLCs 200
    13. Sequencer Instructions for PLCs 330
  10. PLCs: Siemens
    1. Basics of Siemens PLCs 200
    2. Siemens PLC Hardware 210
    3. Numbers, Codes and Dara Types for Siemens PLCs 220
    4. Siemens PLC Inputs and Outputs 240
  11. Siemens Human Machine Interfaces 250
    1. Siemens SIMATIC Modular PLCs 260
    2. Siemens PLC Programming Concepts 270
    3. Basic Ladder Diagram Programming for Siemens PLCs 280
    4. Basic Function Block Diagram Programming for Siemens PLCs 290
    5. Ladder Diagram Timers and Counters for Siemens PLCs 300
    6. Function Block Diagram Timers and Counters for Siemens PLCs 310
    7. Additional Ladder Diagram Instructions for Siemens PLCs 330
    8. Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLCs 340
    9. Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs 350
    10. Siemens Safety Integrated for Factory Automation 360
  12. Quality
    1. ISO 9001:2015 Review 122
    2. Approaches to Maintenance 131
    3. TS 16949:2009 Overview 221
  13. Robotics
    1. Robot Troubleshooting 331
    2. Robot Maintenance 355
    3. Robot Installations 370
  14. Safety
    1. Introduction to OSHA 101
    2. Ergonomics 102
    3. Personal Protective Equipment 111
    4. Noise Reduction and Hearing Conservation 121
    5. Respiratory Safety 131
    6. Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
    7. SDS and Hazard Communication 151
    8. Bloodborne Pathogens 161
    9. Walking and Working Surfaces 171
    10. Fire Safety and Prevention 181
    11. Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
    12. Hand and Power Tool Safety 201
    13. Safety for Lifting Devices 211
    14. Powered Industrial Truck Safety 221
    15. Confined Spaces 231
    16. Environmental Safety Hazards 241
    17. Machine Guarding 271
  15. Shop Essentials (Applied Mathematics)
    1. Math Fundamentals 101
    2. Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
    3. Units of Measurement 112
    4. Algebra Fundamentals 141
    5. Geometry: Lines and Anges 151
    6. Geometry: Triangles 161
    7. Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
    8. Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
    9. Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
    10. Trigonometry: Sine Bar applications 221
    11. Statistics 231
  16. Supervisor Essentials
    1. Essentials of Leadership 100
    2. Managing Performance: Best Practices 130
    3. Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
    4. Basics of Manufacturing Costs 140
    5. Conflict Resolution Principles 150
    6. Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
    7. Team Leadership 160
    8. Personal Effectiveness 190
    9. Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
    10. Harassment and Discrimination 215
    11. Performance Management and the Law 230
  17. Welding
    1. Overview of Soldering 271
  18. Workforce Essentials
    1. Essentials of Communication 115
  19. Virtual Labs/Simulations (optional)
    1. Hand and Power Tool Safety
    2. Safety Awareness in Manufacturing
    3. Fire Safety
    4. Lockout Tagout Procedures
    5. Rigging Equipment Safety and Inspection
    6. 5S and Hand Tool Identification
    7. Inspecting Groove Width
    8. Inspecting Thread Sizes
    9. Inspecting Depth
    10. Inspecting Inside Diameter
    11. Inspecting Outer Diameters I
    12. Inspecting Outer Diameters II
    13. Voltage Checks for a Variable Frequency Drive Panel
    14. Testing an AC Induction Motor with Multimeter
    15. Assembly with Mechanical Fasteners

This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, this course requires basic computer skills, including the ability to open and manage windows, navigate websites, and perform common online tasks such as downloading files, completing forms, and using web-based tools.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a process technician in the United States is $56,333.

According to Manufacturing.org, advanced manufacturing refers to the use of innovative technologies to create new and existing products.

No.

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Process technicians need to be adept at operating and maintaining a variety of advanced manufacturing equipment, including Programmable Logic Controller (PLC’s), robotics, and automated systems.
  • Automation and Robotics: Understanding the principles of automation and robotics is increasingly important as these technologies become more prevalent in advanced manufacturing.
  • Technical Drawings and Schematics: The ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics is vital for understanding equipment functionality and troubleshooting issues.
  • Process Control Systems: A solid understanding of process control systems, including sensors, controllers, and feedback loops, which is essential for monitoring and optimizing manufacturing processes.

Yes, this course covers lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ISO 9001.

In traditional manufacturing, a process technician focuses on manual monitoring and control of equipment with limited automation, relying heavily on routine checks and physical adjustments. In advanced manufacturing, the role shifts to managing highly automated, data-driven systems, using sensors, software, and real-time analytics to optimize production processes with greater precision and efficiency.

This course comprehensively covers the role shift to advanced manufacturing.

This provides you with the information and virtual hands-on training in simulations to prepare for a role as a process technician or production technician in a manufacturing environment.

Yes, this covers the trends of robotics and Siemens Human Machine Interfaces (HMI).

After 2-5 years of experience, you would be qualified for mid-level positions such as senior process technician or lead process technician. You could also specialize in roles related to quality, safety, automation, or maintenance in relation to the process technician role.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive twelve (12) months to complete the course.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.

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