Wastewater
Workforce Development
Program Description
NPRC’s wastewater program trains the next generation of operators and continues educating the ones already serving our communities.
Workers in this profession manage vital systems that treat water and wastewater. These operators oversee the distribution and treatment of water as it is pumped from wells, rivers, and reservoirs into water treatment facilities. They are tasked with monitoring and maintaining equipment and processes to ensure that water remains safe for drinking and other daily activities.
This program takes students from the basics of general math and chemistry to the advanced skills of handling and disposal, filtration, and chlorination. The skills learned in these courses can help students become a vital part of their community for years to come.
All modules in this program are available for beginners and for continuing education credit for current wastewater treatment operators. Continuing education cost is $180.00 per module. Students will attend courses at one of the institutions classroom locations for virtual instruction. Lectures will take place on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
| Module I – Intro to Wastewater Treatment
Module II - Collection System Module III – Core Requirements Module IV - Miscellaneous Topics Module V – Laboratory and Maintenance |
Module VI – Treatment Types
Module VII – Land Application & Solids Module VIII – Activated Sludge Module IX – Activated Sludge Module X – Advanced Topics |
Wastewater Studies
What You'll Learn
Basic math, chemistry, applied biology, safety, and ethics to ensure successful wastewater treatment
Collection systems, infiltration, and inflow of wastewater.
Wastewater laboratory basics and treatment plant maintenance
Land application of wastewater, solids handling and disposal, sequential batch recorders, and biosolids are uncovered to ensure knowledge of treatment scenarios and techniques
Career Outlook as a Wastewater Professional
Wastewater operators, wastewater specialists, wastewater technicians, and facility managers are all possible careers after completing the this program.
Wastewater treatment operators earn nearly $50,000.00 per year on average.
Over 125,000 jobs exist in this line of work, including various opportunities in NPRC’s 10-county service region.
Almost 11,000 new jobs will be created in this industry between now and 2031.
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Wastewater Courses FAQ
See What Our Students Have to Say
“It was a wonderful experience here at NPRC. I learned so much and my instructor was amazing. He was knowledgeable and made sure that everything we need is uploaded online and communicates well with us. He also held us accountable to make sure we were learning and ready. I enjoyed working alongside my amazing classmates and all the different experiences they brought to the course. Everyone in our class was eager to learn and was proactive about staying up to date on what is being asked of us.”
- Marie, NPRC EMT Graduate
“Attending NPRC was truly life-changing for me and provided a foundation to pursue my passion for early childhood education. I gained the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. But it was bigger than just academics; my professors taught me valuable life lessons and instilled important values that have shaped who I am today. Overall, my college journey has not only prepared me for a successful career but has also equipped me with the mindset and tools to make a positive impact on the lives of young children.”
- Brittany, Early Childhood Education Graduate
“I had a fear that this degree would be unobtainable due to being a full-time employee and mother. With the support of family, friends, coworkers, and NPRC, I’ve gained confidence and support to continue my education.”
- Brittney, NPRC Student
“From the first time I found out about NPRC, I knew attending college was something I wanted to pursue because of how genuine the first interaction was. I’m proof that finding the right path can be done. It’s worth it to find ways out of situations you do not want to be in for better ones. I can’t say enough about how NPRC’s employees have empowered and advocated for me.”
- Amanda, NPRC Student
"NPRC’s faculty, staff, and professors do everything they can to see the students succeed and provide us with exactly what we need to do our best both inside the classroom and out. The early childhood education program is phenomenal. It was a school that aided me in balancing class, schoolwork, and my career. From the start and throughout my time, NPRC made me feel like I was at the right place.”
- Savannah, Early Childhood Education Graduate
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