How does the industrial process operator program work at San Juan College?

I'm interested in the industrial process operator program at San Juan College. Can someone provide details about the curriculum, application process, or student experiences? I'm considering this path after high school.

San Juan College's Industrial Process Operator (IPO) program is designed to train students for careers in different process industries. The program typically takes two academic years to complete and results in an Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum has been structured to provide a balance between hands-on training and classroom-based instruction to equip students with the needed operational and troubleshooting skills.

In the first year, you’ll learn about foundational topics including math, chemistry, industrial safety, process technology, and plant equipment. The second year advances into more intricate subjects such as process instrumentation, systems, operations, quality control, and plant troubleshooting.

The application process is straightforward. Before applying to the IPO program, you should first apply to San Juan College. After being accepted there, you can then apply to the IPO program specifically. Keep in mind that completion of high school chemistry and math through Algebra II is usually recommended for admission into the program. These prerequisites can also be fulfilled by taking the necessary classes at San Juan College.

As for student experiences, it often varies based on individual interests and career objectives. However, students generally report that the combination of both theoretical and practical experience is quite beneficial. Notably, the hands-on experience provided by real-world equipment in lab sessions is particularly appreciated, as it's significant for understanding and mastering the use of complex plant machinery. Furthermore, many students find internships or work-study opportunities with local industries to be immensely useful, as these experiences help them understand the real-world application of their learned skills.

Remember, while it may be a challenging program, it could offer rewarding career prospects in a variety of industries upon completion. It's best if you directly contact the college's admissions office or the program co-ordinator for updated information and personalized guidance. Good luck with your future studies!