Programs that train aspiring water treatment plant operators can be found at community and technical colleges. These programs may last one or two years.
Schools With Water Treatment Plant Operator Programs
These institutions offer water treatment plant operator programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-19)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaniiih Nakoda College | Harlem, MT | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $2,410 |
| Cascadia College | Bothell, WA | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $3,931 In-state; $9,297 Out-of-state |
| Central Carolina Technical College | Sumter, SC | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $5,166 In-District; $6,035 In-state; $8,518 Out-of-stater |
| College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $3,492 In-state; $10,371 Out-of-state |
| Delaware Technical Community College-Owens | Georgetown, DE | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $4,904 In-state; $11,632 Out-of-state |
| Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $9,666 In-state; $19,444 Out-of-state |
| Stark State College | North Canton, OH | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $4,070 In-state; $7,166 Out-of-state |
| Vermilion Community College | Ely, MN | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $5,325 In-state; $6,506 Out-of-state |
| White Mountains Community College | Berlin, NH | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $7,970 In-state; $16,770 Out-of-state |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Selection Criteria
There are several factors to consider when choosing a water treatment plant operator program.
- Students may want to look for programs with up-to-date equipment and technology in their labs when selecting a school.
- Some programs offer practicum courses or internships to build the students' job skills.
- Aspiring water treatment plant operators may benefit from studying under faculty who are licensed or certified plant operators, especially students in short-term programs who want to learn essential job skills quickly.
- Most employers require their operators to be certified, and some states require operators to be licensed. Students should look for programs that meet those requirements.
Associate's Degree in Water Treatment
Students who want to complete general education courses along with their plant operator training, or those who plan to transfer to a 4-year program, can earn an associate's degree, such as an Associate in Science in Water Quality Science or an Associate in Applied Science in Water Environment Technology.
Certificate in Water Treatment
Water treatment plant operators who want to supplement their training or become licensed can complete a short course, diploma program or certificate program to earn an award such as a Water Environment Technology Advanced Certificate or a Water Treatment Specialist Certificate.
Water treatment courses are typically offered as a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree program. Many institutions offer programs, and prospective students may want to ensure that any program they consider meets state licensing requirements, offers an opportunity for hands-on experience and is taught by industry professionals.
