Natural Gas Plant Operations

Natural gas plant operators monitor and control the systems and equipment that take gas from its natural state and convert it into a usable product. Your job is to ensure that the gas produced is free of impurities. The purified gas is then separated into products such as ethane, propane, butane, and methane. You'll also be responsible for the flow of this processed gas into the pipelines that carry it to the various industries and homes that use it for fuel. In addition, you'll make gas flow changes to the supply system to keep pace with customer demands.

Natural gas plant operators earn above-average wages and enjoy good job security and the potential to advance into supervisory or management positions. This is a user-friendly course, designed for people who have no prior exposure to the technical aspects of hydrocarbons, energy, or industrial processes. No prior science or math education is necessary; the course includes all of the necessary basic science and technology elements.

What you will learn

• Master basic math, physics, and chemistry knowledge necessary for a gas plant operator
• Understand safety as it relates to gas plant production
• Describe basic elements of electricity
• Read technical process drawings
• Describe basic operational elements of lubrication and centrifugal pumps
• Understand how natural gas is found in nature and how gas wells are developed
• Describe how natural gas compression and refrigeration systems work
• Determine various methods used to purify natural gas

How you will benefit

• Develop the knowledge and skills you'll need to begin a career in natural gas plant operations
• Learn what to expect when working at a natural gas plant
• Refine your skills in mathematics and science that will be used on the job
• Set yourself apart from competitors by taking an online course to prove your interest
• Enrolled students are invited to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions

1. Basic Safety
2. Basic Hazard Communication
3. Basic Lockout-Tagout
4. Math 1000: Basic Math 1
5. Math 2000: Basic Math 2
6. Math2500: Basic Math 3
7. Applied Physics 1
8. Applied Physics 2
9. Applied Physics 3
10. Heat Exchangers
11. Lubrication and Bearings
12. Electrical Safety
13. Electricity for Operators and Technicians
14. Industrial Valves
15. Compressed Air
16. How to Read Process Drawings
17. Basic Process Instrumentation and Control
18. Pump Fundamentals
19. Centrifugal Pumps - Operation
20. Refining 1000: Introduction to Petroleum Refining
21. Refining 2000: Distillation Technology
22. Natural Gas 1000: Introduction to Natural Gas
23. Natural Gas 2000: Introduction to Drilling
24. Natural Gas 3000: Gas Plant Operations 1
25. Natural Gas 3500: Gas Plant Operations 2

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Prerequisites:

This course is for you if you're seeking an entry-level position in the field of natural gas production.

To enroll in this course, you should have basic computer skills and a high school diploma or the equivalent.

This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

No.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive twelve (12) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available by phone. You can also call us at 1-855-532-7642 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.