Look for colleges that offer an associate degree program in process technology, such as Alvin Community College in Texas or the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The two-year associate degree program is generally required to become a process technician; the degree is also available at technical schools and community colleges.
Apply to the school of your choice. Submit your high school diploma or GED, as well as transcripts from any other colleges you attended. In addition, send the college a copy of your American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) standardized test scores, or complete the college's placement test so the school can assess your academic level and start you in appropriate classes.
Take classes on topics such as applied petrochemical technology, physical activity and process instrumentation. In addition, complete courses in contemporary math, sociology, microcomputer applications and general chemistry. Review safety, health and the environment as well.
Complete additional courses in process troubleshooting, process technology operations, process technology systems, process technology equipment and natural gas production. Learn how to repair and replace electrical or pneumatic instrumentation and control systems and study the specifics of operations equipment such as gas engine turbines and centrifugal pumps. Go over the principles of quality in addition to learning speech, business communications and integrated software applications.
Do an internship in process technology to gain hands-on experience in the field and satisfy your associate degree program's graduation requirements. Contact your school's career services department to find work experience opportunities in industries such as petroleum refining, waste and wastewater treatment and food processing. Practice monitoring and controlling process systems, testing products for quality and interfacing with support technicians. In addition, try supervising automatic control equipment, maintaining safe work areas and assisting with compliance with environmental regulations.