Clean Water. Healthy Communities.
Water is life—and your work ensures every drop is safe.
Owens’ Water Treatment Professions Certificate is your fast track to a stable, in-demand career in drinking water or wastewater treatment. Thanks to grant funding, you’ll receive comprehensive training, mentorship and exam preparation at no cost to you.
This certificate launches more than just a career—it starts a mission that truly makes a difference. You’ll ensure that clean water reaches communities, protect public health and safeguard the environmental resources that sustain life itself. In a world where access to clean water remains critical, your expertise becomes essential infrastructure for healthy communities and thriving ecosystems.
Professional traits for success in this field:
- Attention to Detail: Precision is essential when monitoring complex systems, analyzing samples and ensuring water consistently meets rigorous safety standards.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Treatment facilities present dynamic challenges—from equipment malfunctions to environmental changes—requiring quick thinking and effective solutions.
- Commitment to Public Service: A deep sense of responsibility to protect public health and environmental well-being drives excellence and dedication in this essential profession.
A Supportive Partnership
You’ll learn alongside a dedicated cohort of students exclusively enrolled in this program, creating strong peer connections and collaborative learning opportunities. Each student is paired with an experienced mentor currently working in the water treatment industry, providing you with insider knowledge and a real-world perspective.
Through your mentor’s guidance, you’ll develop both the technical skills and industry insights essential for career success. This valuable relationship extends beyond graduation—your mentor remains available to support you as you transition into the workforce and advance in your career.
Award Type
Certificate
Department
Department of Advanced Manufacturing
Required Credit Hours
17
Looking Ahead
16
Weeks of full-time training—M-Th in class, Friday in plant
17
Credit hours focused on water/wastewater operations
$23
Hourly wage for new grads—advances quickly with new certifications
Classroom to Treatment Plant: Learn by Doing
You’ll begin with a solid foundation in environmental science, examining how human activities impact water quality and the environment. Field trips provide real-world context that brings classroom concepts to life. Enhanced by guest speakers and site visits, an introduction to the water treatment profession will showcase opportunities in both drinking water and wastewater treatment.
Hands-on experience is a central component of this program. Through environmental sampling methods, you’ll master the proper collection, analysis and interpretation of samples from treatment facilities and natural water systems, practicing both laboratory and field techniques. Safety training receives equal emphasis through the OSHA 30-hour General Safety course, which teaches you to recognize and manage workplace hazards while earning your OSHA 30-hour General Industry card upon completion.
The program culminates with specialized knowledge of treatment processes through your choice of capstone course: Wastewater Treatment or Water Treatment Operation. Both options cover regulations, theory, operations and laboratory analysis aligned with Ohio EPA operator certification requirements. Extensive lab activities and direct experience at treatment plants provide multiple opportunities to apply these concepts in real-world settings.
Career Outcomes
Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a marketable Water Treatment Professions Certificate from Owens Community College that immediately positions you for career advancement. You’ll graduate ready to sit for the Ohio EPA Certification Exam. Passing this exam unlocks multiple pathways to your future, whether that’s direct entry into the workforce or continuing your education toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.
As a Class I wastewater and drinking water operator, you’ll perform diverse, essential work under general supervision in city and county water treatment and reclamation facilities. Your responsibilities will vary based on facility size and type, ensuring that no two days are exactly alike while you protect public health and environmental safety.
The career outlook is promising: operators earn an average of $23 per hour with competitive benefits packages. Plus, the Water Workforce Coalition stands ready to connect you directly with employers in your area, giving you a clear path from certification to career.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“Owens is a great place to gain a lot of knowledge and experience for a lifetime.”
Mark Telles, Applied Engineering and Industrial Technologies, ’23
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Currently, this certificate does not qualify for federal financial aid, which includes grants, loans and work-study. If cost is a barrier, please speak with an Owens advisor for additional information. State grants may apply.