Non-Destructive Testing

Cowley's quality control/ Nondestructive testing technician program offers you a short training time for a carrier that is in high demand. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform sophisticated testing techniques that are required in many industries.

Upon completion of this program students will be prepared to develop and maintain quality control programs. Students will be trained to set up and calibrate equipment, as well as interpret and evaluate results based upon Nondestructive testing methods with respect to applicable codes, standards, and specifications. Students will be prepared for the American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) certification examination.

Classes in Nondestructive Testing began at Cowley College in 1991. Aircraft to the north in Wichita, Kansas and refining/oil production to the south in Tulsa, Oklahoma, created an industrial need for an NDT inspection program. Our location provides diverse industry support in the form of equipment, inspection materials, and program technical direction.

Cowley College is an ideal setting for study, as well. Arkansas City is located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Walnut rivers and provides students with a small-town experience. Class sizes have a maximum student-teacher ratio of 18:1, allowing for personalized instruction and an opportunity to build relationships.

More About Nondestructive Testing

Our Mission: To develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for students to succeed in a Nondestructive Testing Career.

Academic Highlights
The Nondestructive Testing curriculum is offered as a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree involving 66 credit hours: 48 required technical hours and 18 general education hours. The NDT curriculum is designed to provide entry-level employment skills and knowledge required by business and industry. Classes exceed requirements recommended by the Society for Nondestructive Testing document TC 1-A for classroom training.

Program Options
The AAS degree meets transfer requirements for the Manufacturing Technology degree at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. The NDT degree also meets requirements for transfer to engineering degree programs with an NDE minor such as those offered by Iowa State University. Students completing the AAS degree program at Cowley have many options for employment. Opportunities are availabel locally and regionally, as well as internationally! Surveys indicate that the number that the number of qualified inspectors will continue to dwindle as the current workforce retires. This is already evident by the requests Cowley has received for graduating technicians. Students often find part-time work with local inspection companies providing on-the-job experience before graduating.

Financial Assistance
High Technology scholarships are available on a limited basis for students interested in NDT. Other scholarships, awarded on a merit basis, are determined by GPA and ACT examination scores. Students also are encouraged to apply for government financial aid in the form of grants or student loans. For further information concerning scholarships, or financial aid, contact Sally Palmer.

nsf logo
Visit the National Science Foundation home page! The NSF has provided funding for development of simulation programs and Internet materials developed by Cowley College and Iowa State University.

Visit the Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, for Community College training materials.

Class Schedules
Click here to view current NDT courses that are being offered.

Associate of Applied Science Degree click here

Locations
A comprehensive program is taught at the main campus in Arkansas City, Kansas. Courses are also taught at the South Side Education Center in Wichita.

Department Administration
Bruce Crouse, Department Chair
Joe Clasen, NDT Instructor