Inspection Technologies

Program Information

A career in Inspection and Testing covers many methods, both destructive and nondestructive. The Inspection Technologies program at San Jacinto College allows you to follow your career path with traditional Nondestructive Testing (NDT) methods or the Inspection of Fixed Equipment such as Pressure Vessels, Piping, Valves, and Metallurgical testing. 

These careers are in high demand and pay according to the skill level you attain through education and experience. These skill levels require the type of training you can receive through the Inspection Technologies program at San Jacinto College. Job opportunities are diverse, so pick your industry or career path. Graduates may work in industries such as: petrochemical, oil and gas, fabrication, welding, pipeline, turbines, aerospace, and more.

San Jacinto College offers a one-year Certificate of Technology, a second year of advanced courses to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or Level 2 Certificate paths for year 2, in two career paths: Nondestructive Testing (NDT) or Fixed Equipment Inspection. The program offers courses in the evenings and on Saturdays to accommodate your work schedule.

We provide the education to follow certification paths through: the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American Welding Society (AWS), and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) International. 

Test Methods 

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Phased Array Ultrasonics (PAUT)

Eddy Current Testing (ET)

Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Visual Inspection (VT)

Radiographic Film Interpretation (RFI)

Metrology and Prints

Metallurgy Testing: Charpy, Tensile, Hardness and PMI

Corrosion Inspection

Welding Inspection (CWI)

Pressure Vessel Inspection

Piping and Valve Inspection

Career Opportunities

Graduates of San Jacinto College’s NDT technology program may find employment as:

• NDT Technicians in: VT, PT, MT, UT, ET, and RFI;
• UT Flaw Sizing and Phased Array Inspectors PAUT;
• AWS - Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI);
• API Inspectors - API 510, API 570, API 577/578;
• Quality Technicians, Inspectors, or Managers; and
• Metallurgical, Corrosion, or Coating Technicians.

Earning Potential

Wages are based upon experience, skill level, testing method, and a synergy of multiple certifications.

Average Wages Per Year:

Non-Destructive Testing Specialist (median): $59,556 per year ¹

NDT Level I $57,807²

NDT Level II $83,739²

NDT Level III $103,991²

Certified Welding Inspector  $64,084³

Quality Inspector $49,694⁴

API 510 Pressure Vessels Inspector $86,211⁵

API 570 Piping Inspector $72,347⁵

For additional information, students may contact 281-478-2799.

Campus

Central Campus