Industrial PLC Programming Technician PLC.S.STC

Short-term Technical Certificate - 8 - 10 Credit Hours

Division: Science, Mathematics and Engineering
Department: Automation and Control Technology
Effective as of Fall 2023

What is the program about?

This certificate provides students and working professionals the basic necessary knowledge and skills to operate, program, and diagnose Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based control systems in advanced manufacturing automation process operations, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs), and logistics/supply chain high-tech warehousing automation operations. This program covers digital fundamentals used in all of today's computers, PLC hardware, PLC ladder logic programming, PLC I/O wiring diagrams, PLC communication architecture, networking, HMIs (Human Machine Interface) in a hands-on learning environment on several different types of PLCs.

Program Outcomes

• Understand PLC system architecture for peer-to-peer, HMI, distributed I/O, sensor, actuator, and computer server communications.
• Read and generate PLC I/O wiring diagrams with respect to sensors/push button inputs and actuator outputs.
• Troubleshoot control problems attributed to ladder logic application program. Develop simple PLC application ladder logic programs for new or exisitng equipment.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be qualified for entry level work as a PLC technician for original equipment/system suppliers, consultants/third party support, as well as, equipment/system end users. Manufacturing industries that require PLC Programming Technicians include food, pharmaceutical, defense, aerospace, chemical, plastics, steel, metals, paper, textiles, and automotive industries. Graduates typically work in manufacturing process support, maintenance support, engineering support, sales/service support, or consulting functions. All courses within certificate may be applied towards a degree in Automation & Control Technology with Robotics, a high demand, high paying field.

Prerequisites

• MAT 0100 OR MAT 1110

Credentials

third party PLC credentials