Plumbing Technology Certificate

Academic Programs

Career Path

Industrial Technology

Start Term

Program Options

Degree, Certificate or Diploma

Locations

Council Bluffs Campus

Program Information

The Plumbing Technology Certificate program provides the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic plumbing industry. Whether students are new to the field or looking to enhance your skills, our program prepares students for entry-level positions with hands-on training and comprehensive coursework.

Students will gain practical experience in our state-of-the-art facilities with a focus on safety, tools, materials, and pipe joining methods. Students will also learn plumbing code book layout, plan and print reading, and essential trade calculations crucial for residential and commercial projects. Last, students will develop proficiency in troubleshooting plumbing systems and interpreting plumbing blueprints to prepare you for immediate employment.

Students who complete this certificate will earn credit toward completion of the Plumbing Technology diploma.

Job Outlook

7,730 Jobs (2025)

+16.86% Change (2020-2030)

Data is from the Omaha Metropolitans Area, and the seven counties in Southwest Iowa that Iowa Western serves

What will you do

Those who complete plumbing education programs can find jobs as general plumbers, pipefitters, or sprinkler fitters.

Plumbers install, repair, and maintain systems for transporting water, sewage, and gas. Plumbers who work for construction companies hook up and install a building’s plumbing and water systems to the available municipal or other water supply, adhering to codes and using a variety of tools and measurements to ensure accuracy. Those who work for plumbing repair companies visit homes and businesses to repair water, sewer, and plumbing systems, fix sinks or toilets, or replace worn or broken pipes.

Pipefitters work with high and low-pressure pipe systems used in manufacturing, power generation, and heating and cooling systems. They install and maintain these specialized systems and work on the control systems that allow for their operation and monitoring. Some pipefitters specialize in one particular area, such as the movement of high-pressure liquids or gases. Unlike plumbers, their sole concern is the proper functioning of pipes and their connections.

Wages

  • Entry: $18.56
  • Average: $28.40
  • Experienced: $33.26

Wage data was obtained from OEWS (occupational employment and wage statistics) through Iowa Workforce Development.

Career Examples

  • Residential Plumbers
  • Commercial Plumbers
  • Service and Repair Technician
  • Pipe Fitters
  • Construction Plumbers
  • Maintenance Plumbers
  • Entrepreneur/Self-Employed Plumber

First Semester

MAT 743 - Technical Math 1 3.0 Credit(s)
PLU 148 - Plan and Print Reading for Plumbing 2.0 Credit(s)
PLU 108 - Plumbing Code 3.0 Credit(s)
PLU 178 - Residential Plumbing Lab 6.0 Credit(s)
PLU 190 - Plumbing Troubleshooting 2.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 16.0 Credits

Total Semester Hours Required: 16.0

Notes:

1May substitute with MAT 102 or higher

Notes:





Additional Information

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Program Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the program students will:

  • Describe materials and tools used for standard residential and commercial plumbing projects.
  • Adhere to safety rules and regulations relevant to the industry.
  • Interpret plumbing blueprint reading.
  • Summarize codes and how they apply to plumbing systems.

Program Disclaimers