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Inspection Technology Students

Inspection Technology

Career/Technical Certificate

Inspection technologists perform nondestructive testing of material, parts, components, and/or pressurized systems. They use a blend of quality assurance and materials science to make sure aircraft, chemical plants, pipelines, and bridges are structurally sound. Hands-on classes and labs will prepare you for national certifications and an exciting, in-demand career.

Students working with their hands.

Build Hands-On Inspection Skills

At San Jac, you'll learn nondestructive testing (NDT) methods, corrosion control, welding inspection, and industry codes. You'll build hands-on skills used in today's refineries, petrochemical plants, and manufacturing facilities.

Students reviewing equipment

Protect Critical Equipment

Learn how nondestructive inspection and fixed equipment inspection help evaluate pressure vessels, piping, tanks, and other equipment. You'll help keep industrial facilities safe, reliable, and running efficiently by identifying potential problems before they lead to costly failures.

Inspection Technology Student

Prepare for Industry Certifications

You'll prepare for certifications offered by the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), the American Welding Society (AWS), and AMPP (formerly NACE International).

Welding Inspector

Advance Your Industrial Career

Whether you're starting your career or building on your experience, you'll gain specialized inspection and nondestructive testing knowledge. Employers across the Gulf Coast's refining, petrochemical, manufacturing, and energy industries value these skills.

Careers

Non-destructive Testing Technician

$60,000

Opportunities

Inspection technologists work in a wide range of industries, giving you the flexibility to choose the career path that fits your interests. You may find opportunities in petrochemical, maritime, fabrication, welding, pipeline, turbine, aerospace, and many other industries. Job titles include:

NDT Technicians in: VT, PT, MT, UT, ET, and RFI
UT Flaw Sizing and Phased Array Inspectors PAUT
AWS - Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI)
API Inspectors - API 510, API 570, API 577/578
Quality Technicians, Inspectors, or Managers
Metallurgical, Corrosion, or Coating Technicians

Locations

Central Campus

Salary Source: Work In Texas

Video Inspection Technology

Fixed Equipment Inspection Technology, AAS

Career/Technical

The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares you with the technical knowledge and hands-on training to inspect critical equipment and infrastructure across a variety of industries. You'll gain practical experience in testing, inspection, and quality assurance while developing the technical skills employers value. In your second year, you'll focus on inspecting welds, pressure vessels, piping, valves, and applying advanced metallurgical techniques.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in five terms, including a summer term.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Fixed Equipment, Level 2 Certificate

Certificate

The Level 2 Certificate prepares you with the skills needed to begin a career in inspection technology, advance your current career, or prepare you for the degree program. You’ll learn through classroom instruction and hands-on training in testing, inspection, and quality practices. In your second year, you’ll focus on the inspection of welds, pressure vessels, pressure piping, valves, and advanced metallurgical techniques.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 45 credits for this certificate in four terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Nondestructive Testing Technology, AAS

Career/Technical

The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares you for a career in testing, inspection, and quality. You’ll receive classroom training in six core testing and inspection methods while building the technical skills needed to work in industrial inspection and quality fields.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in five terms, including a summer term.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Nondestructive Testing Technology, Certificate of Technology

Certificate

The Certificate of Technology prepares you for the degree program, helps you begin a career in testing and inspection, or allows you to advance in your current career. You’ll receive classroom and lab training in visual inspection, magnetic particle testing, liquid penetrant testing, ultrasonic testing, and other industry methods.

1 Year

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 29 credits for this certificate in two terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Nondestructive Testing Technology, Level 2 Certificate

Certificate

The Level 2 Certificate prepares you to continue into the degree program, begin a career in nondestructive testing, or advance in your current career. You’ll gain hands-on classroom training in more than a dozen nondestructive testing methods used in industry.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 45 credits for this certificate in four terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Applying to San Jac

Ready to take the first step toward an exciting future? It’s time to apply to San Jac. We’ll guide you through the process and help you start building your future, today.

Apply to San Jac

Big decision, simple answers. Let’s clear it up.

What is Inspection Technology?

Inspection Technology focuses on evaluating industrial equipment to help ensure it operates safely and meets industry standards. Inspectors identify wear, corrosion, and other issues before they become major problems.

This program is a good fit if you enjoy solving problems, paying attention to detail, and working in industrial environments. It's also an excellent option for experienced industry professionals looking to expand their knowledge.

What's the difference between the Fixed Equipment Inspection Technology AAS and Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technology AAS degrees?

Both programs prepare you for careers in industrial inspection, but they focus on different areas of the field.

The Fixed Equipment Inspection Technology AAS focuses on inspecting pressure vessels, piping, storage tanks, and welds. You'll learn about corrosion, industry codes, and inspection methods used to help keep industrial facilities safe, reliable, and operating efficiently.

The Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technology AAS focuses on evaluating materials and equipment without causing damage. You'll gain hands-on training in methods such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, magnetic particle testing, liquid penetrant testing. You'll also receive training to identify flaws and evaluate the condition of equipment through visual inspection.

If you're interested in inspecting equipment to help ensure it meets industry standards, Fixed Equipment Inspection Technology may be the best fit. If you're interested in using specialized testing methods to detect flaws in materials and equipment, Nondestructive Testing Technology may be a better choice.

Will this program help me prepare for industry certifications?

Yes. The program provides the education needed to prepare for industry certifications offered by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American Welding Society (AWS), and AMPP (formerly NACE International).

Some advanced inspection courses help directly prepare you for certifications, including:

NDTE 2440 Pressure Vessel Inspection - prepares you for API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspector)
NDTE 2439 Pressure Piping and Valve Inspection - prepares you for API 570 (Piping Inspector)
NDTE 2411 Welding Inspection - prepares you for the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

If you plan to pursue certifications like API 510, API 570, or API 653, you'll need five years of industry experience before you're eligible to take those exams. San Jac's courses are designed to help you build the knowledge you need while you gain that experience.

Is this program hands-on?

Yes. You'll gain practical experience using inspection techniques and equipment while applying industry standards to real-world scenarios.

What careers can this program lead to?

This program prepares you for careers across many industries, including petrochemical, refining, maritime, fabrication, welding, pipeline, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy.

Depending on your interests and experience, you may work as a:

fixed equipment inspector
corrosion technician
quality inspector
welding inspector
metallurgical technician
coating technician
or other industrial inspection professional

The program also helps prepare you for career advancement through industry certifications, including API and Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credentials.

San Jacinto College Student with Advisor

At San Jac, you’re never alone. Our teams ensure you have the support you need to achieve your academic goals.

Financial Aid Academic Support Personal Support

Graduation Student

See What Else is Out There

Did you know we offer over 200 programs and certificates? While Inspection Technologies may not be for you, maybe one of these will catch your interest.

Construction Management Process Technology Aerospace

Start a Career That’s Out of This World

Not only does Stephen Rowland, San Jac’s inspection technology program director, help students launch careers in inspection technology, he boasts quite the resume of his own. His job has taken him all over the world and beyond—including working on the International Space Station. Rowland knows what it takes to be a successful testing inspector, and is proud of San Jac program graduates.

Stephen Rowland

Our program has been rated top in the country. I’m proud of the exceptional students that graduate from our program. Many get hired before graduation and go to work for local contractors.”

Stephen Rowland

Inspection Technology Program Director at San Jacinto College

Joseph.Zwiercan@sjcd.edu

(281) 998-6150x1352

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