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

Wastewater Treatment Technology


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs By Degree Type

The Wastewater Treatment Technology certificate is designed to give entry-level students and entry-level water industry employees training in skills and theory directly related to wastewater operations. This certificate is designed to be a starting point for people who are interested in a career in the wastewater treatment field and will prepare them for entry-level employment. The diploma and AAS degree programs are designed to build from this certificate to allow workers in treatment operations to be a more comprehensive and valuable employee by giving them the skills to work on advanced equipment, controls and troubleshoot problematic equipment.

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.

Program Entry Requirements:

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

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 18


Fixed Costs


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

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

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2
Books (approximate) 360 0 (for the WAT portion only)

Approximate total for program: $2,934*

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

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


Students completing this certificate will be well-poised to enter the workforce with other entry-level personnel, but they will
be able to more quickly advance up the pay and duty scale because they will have training that others will not have. They will
immediately be qualified for some related employment opportunities, including entry-level positions with municipal wastewater
treatment plants, industrial wastewater treatment plants and wastewater compliance laboratories. You will be well-advanced along
the path for state operator certification, which opens many employment doors for you.

You will:
• Operate facilities and equipment designed to clean up wastewater and maintain or improve our environment.
• Operate and maintain treatment processes and collection systems.
• Operate and monitor controls, computerized systems and laboratory equipment.
• Collect and analyze wastewater 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 wastewater treatment.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?


• 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.
• 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: $28,000-$60,000 (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.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs By Degree Type