Non-destructive testing (NDT) examiners inspect and certify bridges, pipelines, aircraft, and many other objects throughout the world. NDT is valuable for quality control and early detection of surface and subsurface defects and faults in welded joints, including those impacting structural integrity in vehicles, vessels, pipelines, and civil infrastructure. This program prepares students to conduct NDT inspection and certification using visual, penetration, magnetic particle, radiography, and ultrasonic methods. A strong foundation in the science and processes of welding is also developed, allowing for a deeper understanding of the types of weld failures. Finally, the program has been developed to comply with the American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) certification standards.
Effective Fall 2024
- School of Engineering Technologies
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
- More Information about Non-Destructive Testing
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities for NDT technicians exist nationwide. Opportunities include both factory (NDT technicians for manufacturing companies, such as aviation parts, robotics, shipbuilding, and general construction) and field (pipeline, powerplant, steam turbines, etc.) environments. Examples of job titles include NDT Technician, NDT Assistant, NDE Field Service Technician, Assistant Radiographer, Phased Array / UT Inspector, Quality Control Technician, and Test Technician.
Recommended High School Subjects
Two years of algebra and trigonometry and one year of a lab-based science (chemistry). Coursework with an emphasis on oral and written communication is recommended.
Special Equipment Needs
See program Tool List for major.
Laptop Computer Required
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- 64-bit, 3.0 GHz or greater, 4 or more cores (Intel or AMD) (required).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
- 16+ GB RAM (required); 32+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 1 GB GPU minimum Graphics Card (required); 4 GB GPU (recommended).
- Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
Remediation Strategies
All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy)
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean
Program Goals
A graduate of this major should be able to:- apply knowledge of industrial safety standards to both field and factory environments.
- apply knowledge of common welding processes to determine the association of defects with those processes.
- apply written, oral, and graphical communication in well-defined technical and nontechnical environments, and an ability to identify and use appropriate literature.
- apply knowledge, techniques, and skills of surface-level non-destructive evaluation techniques.
- apply knowledge, techniques, and skills of radiographic non-destructive evaluation.
- apply knowledge, techniques, and skills of ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation.
- apply knowledge, techniques, and skills of phased-array ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation.
Curriculum
| First Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1.0 | .50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| QAL102 | Radiation Safety | 2.0 | 2 | M | REQ | ||
| QAL241 | Non-Destructive Testing I | 3.0 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| WEL103 | Welding for NDT I | 3.0 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| WEL141 | Introduction to Welding Inspection | 3.0 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| MTH181 | College Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3.0 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15.0 | ||||||
| Second Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| WEL104 | Welding for NDT II | 3.0 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| QAL122 | Radiographic Testing I | 4.5 | 1.50 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| QAL222 | Radiographic Testing II | 4.5 | 1.50 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15.0 | ||||||
| Third Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| QAL124 | Ultrasonic Testing I | 4.5 | 1.50 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| QAL224 | Ultrasonic Testing II | 4.5 | 1.50 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| QAL103 | Governing Technical Documents for NDT | 2.0 | 2 | M | REQ | ||
| CSC124 | Information, Technology & Society | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| ENL201 | Technical & Professional Communication | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17.0 | ||||||
| Fourth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| QAL227 | Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing I | 4.5 | 1.50 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| QAL228 | Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing II | 4.5 | 1.50 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| MSC106 | Introduction to Metallurgy | 4.0 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
| ARP | Core Arts Perspective | 3.0 | S | ARP | |||
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| AAP | Core Applied Arts Perspective | 3.0 | S | AAP | |||
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| CDP | Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective | 3.0 | S | CDP | |||
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| HIP | Core Historical Perspective | 3.0 | S | HIP | |||
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| SSP | Core Social Science Perspective | 3.0 | S | SSP | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16.0 | ||||||