Thank you for your interest in the Welding program at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC). Students completing the Welding Technology Certificate will have completed nearly one-half of the degree requirements for the Integrated Metals AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree.

The courses and certificate options under the Integrated Metals: Welding Technology program are designed to prepare the person with little or no welding skill to enter the welding field with skill, knowledge and confidence. These courses offer good choices for those wishing to upgrade their welding skills or to learn a new process. The curriculum is offered in its entirety as a day program with evening options. Designed to provide instruction for completion of specified weld test plates in various positions, as well as opportunities to obtain welder certifications according to American Welding Society (AWS) code standards. Processes include shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, flux cored arc and gas tungsten arc welding. Training in manual and CNC plasma cutting is included. Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade level of "C" in all IMTL classes in order to progress through all three terms of the program and be eligible for the Welding Technology Certificate. Additionally, students may earn the Certified Welder, Career Pathway Certificate of Completion while pursuing the Welding Technology Certificate.

Program Outline

Program Start/Length: The program begins fall term each year and continues through spring for three consecutive terms. However, entry during winter term may be permissible based on individual qualifications as determined by welding technology instructors, completion of admission criteria and space available in the program. Students also need to be aware that winter term entry may delay program completion by one or more terms and may adversely affect timely transition into the AAS credential option. No students will be accepted into this program for a spring term start.

Program Enrollment: Welding Technology accepts up to 24 students each year.

Schedule of Classes: Most of the program classes are scheduled during the traditional school day, fall term through spring term. However, there are options for students desiring to attend evening classes to complete some of the core requirements in an evening format. Scheduling of classes in these non-traditional times will be dependent on student demand, so the class schedule for each term should be watched for sections in these non-traditional times. Required general education courses may be able to be completed during the evenings and/or summer term, depending on class offerings. Please see the MHCC schedule of classes on the web open-entry evening courses in Welding.

While seeking the Welding Technology Certificate, students who cannot attend college full time or require some brushing up on their reading, writing or math skills may choose to attend evening section courses that focus on Welding Technology Theory and Lab. Doing this will require additional advising as courses are offered in specific sequence and attendance is required in consecutive terms for the completion of 19 credits. Students completing the 19 credits will be eligible to receive the Certified Welder, Career Pathway Certificate of Completion. To earn their Welding Technology Certificate, students will have 34 credits remaining to complete for the duration of three additional terms.

Proposed Program Curriculum: Course requirements are subject to change each academic year. The official curriculum will be published in the College Catalog. The current curriculum may be viewed at https://catalog.mhcc.edu/programs-majors/integrated-metals-welding-technology-certificate/.

Required Tool List

The following tools are required for training in the Welding Technology Certificate program and subject to change without notice.

These items are available at any welding supply store but are quite specific with regard to style, configuration and quality. Correction pen, three ring binder, steel toe boots and some of the safety clothing are available at department stores or uniform stores. CAUTION: Please wait for orientation in the first week and consult with your instructor BEFORE YOU BUY ANY ITEM ON THIS LIST!

Equipment for WLD116 General Welding and other single classes is not as extensive, is the subject of a separate list and will be covered by your instructor the first day of class.

Estimated Program Costs

The estimated program costs are subject to change without notice. They are listed only as a guide for your financial planning. Tuition is as of Fall term 2021 and subject to change without notice. To view the current tuition rate, please see the Tuition/Fee Rate Table at mhcc.edu/tuition.

General Ed course fees and textbooks costs may vary depending on the section chosen. Welding program tool costs can be estimated at $500.00.

Proposed Program Curriculum: Course requirements are subject to change each academic year. The official curriculum will be published in the College Catalog. The current curriculum may be viewed at https://catalog.mhcc.edu/programs-majors/integrated-metals-welding-technology-certificate/.

Helpful Hints for Success

Going to School is Like a Full-Time Job!
Some students expect their 12-18 hours of class time per week to feel like a part-time job. When you add the 1-3 hours of homework for each class hour, you end up with the equivalent of a full-time job!

Being a Student is Hard Work
The numerous responsibilities of school, work, family, child care, friends and so on can combine to create "killer stress." Scheduling time for relaxation is important.

College is a New World
Learning how the college operates is also part of the process of your education. Reading directions, asking questions, allowing plenty of time, and being patient can help you be successful.

Study Skills
To enhance your success with your coursework, many former students recommend taking a class called Study Skills. The class teaches techniques to assist you in preparing for examinations, taking notes and reading for understanding. Another class that would be very beneficial would be keyboarding. Much of your coursework will involve computers and typing is a critical part of working efficiently.