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Process Control Technician (Optional Co-op)

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Saint JohnSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International

Program Overview

Process Control Technicians are smooth operators. They analyze, adjust, and optimize process units and equipment in industrial facilities to ensure successful outcomes. You’ll learn specific skills in thermodynamics, applied chemistry, instrumentation and controls, and electrical devices, as well as general knowledge related to process control operations in plant settings. Our work practicum provides you with hands-on learning and counts toward trade requirements. Canada’s energy sector growth means that Process Control Technicians are in high demand.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile C

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
    • Foundations of Mathematics 110
      • Total of two (2) sciences, including at least one (1) from the following:
        • Biology 112 or 122
        • Chemistry 112 or 122
        • Physics 112 or 122

      NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
      International Student Admission Equivalencies


      Career Possibilities

      As a graduate, you can work in pulp and paper, petroleum, LNG, food, beverage and mineral processing industries, power plants, oil production and refining, municipal treatment plans and government inspection services.



      Specific Considerations

      Where there is a compulsory work practicum or co-op work term, you may be required to participate in work terms at sites other than in Saint John. Please note that when you are hired as process control technicians, you may rotate between different processing units during shift cycles, you may work in a team with shared supervisory responsibilities and participate in training other workers, or you may be cross-trained in a skilled trade and work in that trade during shift cycles.

      Technology Requirements
      ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


      Areas of Study

      • Mathematics
      • Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
      • Electrotechnology
      • Instrumentation and Control
      • Petroleum processing
      • Pulp and paper processing
      • Food and beverage processing
      • Water and wastewater treatment
      • Boilers and auxiliaries
      • Energy plant management
      • Building systems
      • Refrigeration
      • Health and Safety
      • Communication
      • Teamwork
      • Problem solving
      • Professional Ethics


      Program Courses

      Courses are subject to change.

      This course introduces the fundamentals of electrical circuits and machines. Both DC and AC electrical theory and circuit application are studied. Students learn the concepts of charge, electric fields, voltage, current, power, energy, magnetic fields and the link between electricity and magnetism for the creation of machines. They also learn how to use the appropriate unit of measurement to measure voltage, current and impedance in an electrical circuit. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities, and laboratory experiments.

      Prerequisites:

      • PHYS1130C
      • MATH1272B

      This course explains basic lighting, water supply, sanitary drainage, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems used in buildings. Emphasis will be placed on such concepts as conditioning the air, humidification, fans, ventilation, air filters, ducts, and coils. Operating principles of steam, hot water, natural gas, infrared, electric heating systems and various cooling systems are discussed. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.
       

      This course covers introductory chemistry principles such as states of matter and types of bonds, atomic structure, and pH chemistry. It also describes the general principles, methods, and equipment used in water treatment for boiler systems and wastewater treatment facilities. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities, and laboratory activities.
       

      This course is designed to apply the fundamental concepts of chemistry to industrial processes. Emphasis is placed on chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry and oxidation-reduction reactions, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities and laboratory 

      Prerequisites:

      • CHEM1117A

      This course is designed to help students strengthen their fundamental skills in writing clear, effective sentences and paragraphs, and enable them to create organized, unified and coherent documents. The writing process is introduced. Students will recognize the importance of writing for the intended purpose and audience.

      This course introduces students to the fundamentals of technical writing and research. Students will learn how to write a variety of technical documents and business correspondence suitable to a specific audience and purpose as well as learn how to conduct research and document sources.

      Prerequisites:

      • COMM1264A

      This course is designed for students to learn how to quickly make sketches and notes. Emphasis is on recognizing the important details and getting them clearly sketched and/or written down. Accuracy, neatness, and legibility are stressed throughout.  

      Learning is achieved through hands-on class activities and assignments. 

      This course introduces students to ethical principles and codes of conduct applicable to Professional Engineering Technology practice. It prepares students for being engineering technology professionals by exploring critical thinking, ethical behavior, and the legal and professional accountabilities that apply in the workplace. The industry's code(s) of ethics and practical case studies are used as the learning focus.

      Learning is achieved through lectures, case studies, and team projects.

      The overall program goal of the co-op experience is to complement academic studies with related work experience.  Co-op students can gain enriched understandings of their academic program through practical application. Moreover, the co-op experience can motivate students to further education as well as lead to relevant employment after graduation.  Through their work experiences, students will develop and refine employability skills, gain an understanding of career opportunities in their field, and realities of the workplace.  Students are required to follow guidelines as stipulated in the “ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Co-op Education” process.

      This course introduces students to basic concepts and methods of fluid mechanics. It aims to establish a strong foundation and understanding of basic fluid mechanics. Topics include hydrostatics and hydrodynamics. Both SI and USCS units are used throughout. Students will apply the principles of fluid mechanics in the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities, and laboratory experiments.

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1272B

      This course is designed to introduce key topics in instrumentation and controls. Emphasis will be placed on control loops, analog & digital signals, transducers, switches, devices used for process measurement, electrical control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLC), and computerized control systems. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.
       

      This course is designed to introduce process measurement and final control elements. Emphasis will be placed on theory of operation of basic process measurement and final control devices. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • ICCI1120A

      This course is designed to introduce basic industrial process control systems. Emphasis will be placed on process control methods. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities and laboratory activities.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • ICCI1120A

      This course is designed to introduce concepts of petroleum processing. Emphasis is placed on the processes used to convert crude oil to refined petroleum products. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities and laboratory activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • ICCI1120A
      • CHEM1125A

      This course is designed to introduce pulp and paper processing. Emphasis is placed on the processes used to convert wood fiber to refined paper products. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities and laboratory activities.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • ICCI1120A
      • CHEM1125A

      This course is designed to introduce water and wastewater processing. Emphasis is placed on the processes used to ensure safe potable water and to ensure proper treatment of wastewater. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities and laboratory activities.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • ICCI1120A
      • CHEM1117A
      • FLUI1061B

      This course is designed to introduce food and beverage processing. Emphasis is placed on the requirements to produce safe, contaminant-free food products. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities and laboratory activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • CHEM1125A
      • ICCI1125A

      This course forms the foundations of technical mathematics. Topics covered include fundamental numerical calculations, manipulation of algebraic expressions, and solving equations, system of equations, and word problems. Learning is achieved through lectures, classroom examples and working out problems.

      This course is designed for students to learn more advanced algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. Topics include quadratic equations, trigonometry, logarithms, and vectors.

      Learning will be achieved through lectures and classroom examples and work. Learning is achieved through lectures and in-class activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1271B

      This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.

      This workshop introduces students to the process of finding employment. It explores the various strategies and resources available, and examines the role of social media.

      This course introduces students to the principles of energy and matter. Emphasis is on basic concepts of how energy interacts with matter. Students also learn practical techniques for solving problems relating to energy and matter. 

      Learning will be achieved through lectures, class activities and assignments. 

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1271B

      This course introduces students to the principles of Newtonian physics. The focus is on forces acting on bodies in one and two dimensions. Rotational motion is also discussed.  

      Learning will be achieved through lectures, class activities and assignments.

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1272B
      • PHYS1130C

      This course is designed to introduce key topics in thermodynamics.  Emphasis will be placed on how to determine the properties of steam and heat transfers in boilers.  Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • MATH1271B

      This course is designed to provide a comprehensive study of direct current (DC) power generation. It also provides a study on three-phase power systems (AC). Emphasis is placed on an in-depth exploration of DC generators and DC motors, along with essential calculations. Additionally, emphasis is placed on principles, problem-solving, and practical applications of AC three-phase power systems. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities and laboratory activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • BEEB1191A

      This course is designed to introduce alternating current (AC) electrical machines. Emphasis is placed on the design and operation of AC motors and alternators, as well as the design and operation of transformers and their role in AC power systems. Learning will be achieved through lectures, in-class activities, and laboratory activities.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • PHYS1155A

      This course introduces learners to different types of boilers and key topics in boiler operation. Emphasis will be placed on plant safety, and the safe operation of both boilers and their related auxiliaries. Learners will create piping and instrumentation diagram sketches. Learning will be achieved through laboratory activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • PMOI1101A

      This course builds on content learned in PMOI1097A regarding key topics in boiler operation. Basic principles of pump operation as well as water treatment techniques used in a power plant will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on the safe operation of pumps, boilers, and related auxiliaries as well as practical application of electrical components. Learning will be achieved through laboratory activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • PMOI1097A
      • PMOI1102A

      This course will have learners safely operate boilers and related auxiliaries. Emphasis will be placed on basic service and maintenance required for boilers. Practical application of how instrumentation and controls are utilized in a power plant setting will be reviewed. Learning will be achieved through laboratory activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • PMOI1098A
      • PMOI1103A

      This course requires learners to demonstrate the safe operation of boilers and related auxiliaries. Emphasis will be placed on basic operating principles required for heat exchangers, condensers, and combustion safety controls and basic pump maintenance. Learning will be achieved through laboratory activities.
       

      Prerequisites:

      • PMOI1098A
      • PMOI1104A

      This course introduces learners to the field of Power Engineering and key topics in boiler operation. Emphasis will be placed on explaining the types of boilers and their components, as well as pipes, fittings, and valves used in a power plant. An introduction to treatment of external and internal feed water also occurs. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.

      This course discusses key boiler operation principles and equipment and introduces pump operation principles. Emphasis will be placed on boiler level indicators, drum internals, pressure gauges, pressure relief valves, condensate systems, and pumps. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • PMOI1101A

      This course discusses key boiler operation principles while introducing lubrication principles, steam turbines, gas turbines, types of fuels used by boilers, and managing the environmental impact of operating a plant. Emphasis will be placed on the principles of combustion and the operating principles and components of turbines. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • PMOI1101A

      This course discusses equipment related to Power Engineering, such as: internal combustion engines, combustion safety controls, compressors, condensers, cooling towers, and heat exchangers. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.

      Prerequisites:

      • PMOI1101A

      This course is designed to introduce business management concepts. Emphasis is placed on project costs, project scheduling and process total quality management. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.
       

      This course is designed to introduce statistical analysis tools for use in quality control programs in industrial settings. Emphasis is placed on statistical process control and the continuous improvement of industrial processes. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.

      This course is designed to introduce basic concepts of compression and absorption refrigeration. Emphasis will be placed on the fundamentals of refrigeration, types of refrigerants, types of controls used in refrigeration systems, and plant safety. Learning will be achieved through lectures and in-class activities.
       

      This course introduces learners to basic computer applications and tools that are integral to all disciplines, including word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software.

      Learners select and use appropriate computer applications to perform tasks such as data analysis, data presentation, and preparation of documents and reports within their discipline. Learning is achieved through practical application of skills during hands-on class activities and assignments.

      A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.


      NOC Codes

      92011 - Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
      92100 - Power engineers and power systems operators
      92101 - Water and waste treatment plant operators
      93101 - Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
      93102 - Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators


      Accreditations

      Organization: Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB)
      Information: The Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) nationally accredits this program at the technologist level.


      External Certifications

      Process Control Technician (Co-op) graduates may have an opportunity to acquire the following external certifications upon meeting the external agencies certification requirements and paying any required fees to the external agency:

      Institution: New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety
      External Certification: Fourth Class Power Engineer License
      Information: Learners enrolled in the program may challenge the provincial Fourth Class Power Engineering licensing exams provided they satisfy jurisdictional requirements for licensing. Practical operating experience requirements for licensing may be met by completing the first year of the program.


      Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.