Instrumentation
About the Career
An Instrumentation Technician work with a wide variety of devices to measure and control pressure, temperature and flow; install and maintain instruments on new or existing equipment processes.
Career Outlook
Gulf Coast Industries are investing billions of dollars in capital improvements throughout the Texas Gulf Coast, home to over 200 chemical plants the largest petrochemical complex in the world. COM provides training that support these industry demands.
With growing job opportunities, instrumentation technicians and helpers work with systems in refineries, commercial environments, manufacturing facilities, and electrical plants.
The median hourly wage for instrumentation technicians is $30.07, with entry-level helper positions starting at $21.21 per hour. (Source: Onet Online, 2020)
Completers of the Instrumentation Program may find entry-level careers in:
- Petrochemical
- Oil & Gas
- Manufacturing
- Utilities
- Construction
About the COM Program
The Instrumentation Program prepares students for Entry-Level careers in a high-skill, high-growth occupation. Instructors bring field experience into the classroom to provide instruction and hands-on training. Classes meet two nights per week to accommodate work schedules.
The Instrumentation Program will follow the NCCER curriculum that is recognized by leading industry, construction, maintenance, and national associations. Students who successfully complete the courses will be listed in the NCCER registry that employers access for their recruitment efforts. Students completing this program will receive an Occupational Skills Award for Instrumentation I and II, NCCER and OSHA 10 Credentials.
How to Begin
New students must register in person with COM’s Continuing Education Office located in the Technical Vocational Building #5, Suite 1475. Returning students may register by calling the CE Office 409-933-8586, in person or online at www.com.edu/register.
Financial Assistance
- Texas Public Education Grants (TPEG) – Assistance is based on financial eligibility and will pay up to 75% of tuition through COM’s Financial Aid Office.
- Hazelwood Act – Assistance is available to veterans, their spouses, and eligible children and is available through COM’s Student Financial Services/Veteran Affair’s Office.
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) – Assistance is based on financial eligibility and will pay 100% of tuition and books through Workforce Solutions.
Scholarships
- COM Foundation
Instrumentation I – Occupational Skills Award
Required Course Sequence
| Course Number | Title | Hours | In-district | Out of district |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNBT-1018 |
NCCER Core - Instrumentation This course is a comprehensive study of NCCER Core for instrumentation students. This course introduces students to basic job site construction safety in residential, commercial and industrial construction. Students will also learn how to select and demonstrate the proper use of hand tools, portable and stationary power tools, and related construction equipment. Students will obtain their OSHA 10 certification and credentials for NCCER Core. |
64 | $575 | $580 |
| TECM-1001 |
Industrial Mathematics This course teaches math skills applicable to industrial occupations. It includes fractions and decimal manipulations, measurement, percentages and problem-solving techniques for equations and ratio/proportion applications. Prerequisite: CNBT-1018 |
64 | $575 | $580 |
| INTC-1007 |
Instrumentation – NCCER Level 1 This course is a comprehensive study of NCCER Level 1 for instrumentation. In this course, students will become familiar with the theory and application of instrumentation test equipment. The course emphasizes accuracy, limitations of instruments and calibration techniques. Students will select, set up and operate test and measurement tools and equipment; analyze measurement results; identify test instrument limitations and parameters; and demonstrate proper safety procedures. Upon completion, students will obtain credentials for NCCER Level 1. Prerequisite: CNBT-1018, TECM-1001 |
96 | $675 | $680 |
| Total Hours | 224 |
Required Textbooks
| Book Title | ISBN |
|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Trainee Guide, 5th Edition | 978-0-13-413098-9 |
| Mathematics for Machine Technology, 7th Edition | 978-1-13-328145-0 |
| Instrumentation Level 1 Trainee Guide, 3rd Edition | 978-0-13-383080-4 |
Instrumentation II – Occupational Skills Award
Required Course Sequence
| Course Number | Title | Hours | In-district | Out of district |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INTC-1043 |
Instrumentation – NCCER Level 2-A This course is an introduction to automatic process control including measuring devices, analog and digital instrumentation, signal transmitters, recorders, alarms, controllers, control valves, and process and instrument diagrams. Topics include the connection and troubleshooting of loops. Students will learn to explain pneumatic and electronic controls; connect and troubleshoot control loops; and draw process and instrument diagrams, wiring diagrams, and block diagrams. Prerequisite: Instrumentation I OSA |
96 | $575 | $580 |
| INTC-1025 |
Instrumentation – NCCER Level 2-B This course is a comprehensive study of NCCER Level 2-B for instrumentation. This course trains students in the installation of instrumentation equipment into a process environment using industry standards. Students will learn to outline the general procedures and mount an assigned series of instrumentation devices. Upon completion, students will obtain credentials for NCCER Level 2. Prerequisite: INTC-1043 |
64 | $475 | $480 |
| Total Hours | 160 |
Required Textbooks
| Book Title | ISBN |
|---|---|
| Instrumentation Level 2 Trainee Guide, 8th Edition | 978-0-13-383065-1 |