Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Water Plant Operator

Career Studies Certificate

Mountain Empire Community College

This program is intended for apprentices in water plants. See faculty advisor for additional information or visit water.mecc.edu.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Possess the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an entry-level position in a water/wastewater treatment facility.
2. Become knowledgeable about processes and equipment used in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures related to water and wastewater treatment processes.
4. Demonstrate basic knowledge of microbiology and chemistry applicable to water and wastewater treatment.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of hydraulic systems as related to water and wastewater systems.
6. Analyze and solve operational problems and perform mathematical calculations related to water and wastewater treatment processes.
7. Operate a treatment plant in a respectable and ethical manner as dictated by state and federal regulations.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	This program is intended for apprentices in wastewater plants. See faculty advisor for additional information or visit https://water.mecc.edu.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree	This program is designed to provide entry level wastewater plant operator skills.
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning	VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year	The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Integrated Environmental Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
19-1031.00	Conservation Scientists	Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4071.00	Forest and Conservation Technicians	Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1032.00	Foresters	Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1043.00	Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-1031.03	Park Naturalists	Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1031.02	Range Managers	Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 25 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Water Plant Operator at Mountain Empire Community College These costs are based on an estimated 2 semesters or 1 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category		Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition		$167	Per Credit	$4,175	$0	$4,175

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.

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