Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Course Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology Diploma


The Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology diploma is designed to address the education requirements of both operators working in the water treatment industry and entry-level students interested in entering the water treatment and wastewater treatment industry. The program is designed to provide a progressive credential structure through which students can gain two certificates and a diploma. The diploma credential can be further laddered into the Water Environmental Technology AAS degree program.

The main objective of the program is to provide a comprehensive educational opportunity for immediate and future plant operators and treatment employees and managers. People who may be interested in this program:

  1. Entry-level students interested in entering the field of water or wastewater treatment technology.
  2. Plant operators working on improving their industry certification level through attainment of coursework.
  3. Plant operators laddering their education into the Water Environmental Technology degree.

This program provides training and educational experiences that will prepare you for certification examinations. Work experience requirements must be met before you are eligible to take an examination for certification. Be sure to refer to the certifying body in your area to determine eligibility. In Iowa, visit the DNR website located at http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RegulatoryWater/Certification/WaterWastewaterOperators.aspx.

For more information about the Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/water.

Location: Ankeny

Students start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements:

  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.
  4. Complete a high school chemistry course and biology course or equivalent with a “C” or higher.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of 2.0 (C) or better is required in all courses required for this diploma.

Required Courses


Total Credits Required to Complete this Diploma - 46


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
Books (approximate) 140 560 210
Field Trips   25   50   50

Approximate total for program: $7,613*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


Students graduating from this diploma program will be immediately qualified for some related employment opportunities,
including entry-level positions with municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, industrial water and wastewater treatment
plants and water and wastewater compliance laboratories. You will be well-advanced along the path for state operator
certification, which opens many employment doors for you. Potential employers will recognize your educational efforts as being
vital to long-term success in this industry, which will give you a significant advantage over other entry-level personnel.

You will:
• Produce and deliver safe drinking water to consumers, thereby protecting public health from waterborne diseases
  and other health concerns.
• Operate facilities and equipment designed to clean up wastewater and maintain or improve our environment.
• Operate and maintain treatment processes and collection or distribution systems.
• Operate and monitor controls, computerized systems and laboratory equipment.
• Collect and analyze water samples, interpret results and adjust processes to achieve maximum performance.
• Make a difference every day.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


• A basic knowledge of the traditional sciences, including biology and chemistry.
• A good knowledge of math and algebra.
• A willingness to work indoors and outdoors.
• A desire to protect public health and the environment.
• Technical abilities and technological skills.
• Good public relations skills.
• A willingness to do a variety of tasks that contribute to water or wastewater treatment.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


• Water and wastewater environmental technology is a high-growth industry that is very stable and challenging. There are
   a wide variety of career opportunities and specialties.
• Field work and other hands-on experience is very important in this field. You will want to make sure you have time in your
   schedule to complete an internship.
• If you are a person who is passionate about the environment, able to work with minimal supervision and reliable and accurate
   in your work ethic, water environmental technology may be the field for you.
• Average starting salary: $30,000-$62,000 (depending on area of interest and level of education), with opportunities to make
   a much higher income as you advance to higher levels of state certification.

Nondiscrimination Policy


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.