Aspiring wastewater treatment technicians may gain training through 1-year certificate programs or 2-year associate's degree programs.
Schools with Wastewater Treatment Programs
The institutions below offer programs in wastewater technology or wastewater treatment.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition 2018-2019* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway Community College | New Haven, Connecticut | 2-year, Public | Certificates, Associate | In-state $4,424 Out-of-state $13,192 |
| Linn-Benton Community College | Albany, Oregon | 2-year, Public | Certificates, Associate | In-state $4,922 Out-of-state $10,991 |
| Lewis and Clark Community College | Godfrey, Illinois | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate | In-state $9,552 Out-of-state $12,552 |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, Kentucky | 4-year, Public | Associate | In-state $10,512// Out-of-state $26,280 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida | 4-year, Public | Certifications | $655 for each |
| Pikes Peak Community College | Colorado Springs, Colorado | 2-year, Public | Associate, Certificates | In-state $3,840 Out-of-state $14,928 |
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, Iowa | 2-year, Public | Diploma, Certificate | In-state $4,680 Out-of-state $9,360 |
| Zane State College | Zanesville, Ohio | 2-year, Public | Associate | In-state $5,156 Out-of-state $10,016 |
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking for wastewater treatment schools:
- Students should seek program certification, since wastewater treatment technicians are required to be licensed by the state in which they work.
- Students might research requirements to ensure that they receive the necessary level of training since some states have up to four different levels of licensure based on the type of work done.
- Certificate programs offer students the basic skills they need for entry-level jobs operating wastewater treatment facilities. Associate's degree programs offer additional advanced courses, and these programs may qualify graduates for wastewater technician positions.
Wastewater Treatment Certificates
Certificate programs are offered in water treatment and distribution system technology, wastewater management and wastewater plant operations. Some certificate programs offer internships that allow students to experience wastewater treatment technology firsthand.
Associate's Degrees in Wastewater Technology
Associate's degree programs are available in water and wastewater treatment, wastewater technology, water purification technology and environmental health technology. Through course work and practical labs, students learn to calibrate, maintain and operate water treatment equipment. They learn to follow safety procedures, regulations and ethical guidelines, and use computers for operating water treatment machinery.
When researching wastewater treatment programs, students should ensure that they will prepared for licensure and that the coursework matches their career goals.
