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Certificate of Achievement
Environmental Technology Field Technician

The Environmental Technology Field Technician Certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the environmental field or to upgrade working individuals with field technician skills.

Students will gain the skills and knowledge that allow a person to work in the environmental field in compliance with governmental regulations and at the same time protect human health and the environment.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
BIOL 120 - Environmental BiologyM3.0
BIOL 120 - Environmental Biology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

In this course, students utilize basic biological concepts and an interdisciplinary approach to determine how to address environmental challenges. Topics may include ecosystem characteristics and functions, population dynamics, energy and material resource use, pollution, and alternative energy sources. Because the course takes up the social, political, and economic implications of environmental decisions, it is intended for students from many disciplines, including non-STEM disciplines. This course fulfills the general education requirement for life sciences majors.

BIOL 120L - Environmental Biology LaboratoryM1.0
BIOL 120L - Environmental Biology Laboratory (1.0 units)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: BIOL 120
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This laboratory course complements the Environmental Biology lecture course and is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding of the environmental sciences. The scientific method is employed to investigate ecosystems and their functions, natural selection, population interactions, environmental toxicology, radiation exposure effects, soil and groundwater systems, water pollution, alternative energy systems, and environmental resistance. This is a required course for Environmental Science majors.

ET 260 - Environmental Sampling and AnalysisM4.0
ET 260 - Environmental Sampling and Analysis (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the techniques of sampling protocols for obtaining soil, air, surface water, and groundwater samples based on sampling protocols approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the lecture, emphasis is placed on aspects of the procurement of samples through the EPA-approved standard operating procedures and practices. In the laboratory, students gain practical knowledge and skills for the appropriate collection and handling of environmental samples.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
2nd Semester
ET 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Environmental Technology Related FieldsM1.0
ET 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Environmental Technology Related Fields (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor, and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and will meet performance objectives related to instruction above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of environmental technology, and who have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

Student Unpaid Internship:
1 Unit/60 hours; 2 Units/120 hours;
3 Units/180 hours;4 Units/240 hours
Student Paid Internship
1 Unit/75 hours; 2 Units/150 hours;
3 Units/225 hours; 4 Units/300 hours.

ET 230 - Safety and Emergency ResponseM4.0
ET 230 - Safety and Emergency Response (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide students working or seeking employment in the environmental technology field with hands-on instruction in safety and emergency response to chemical and physical exposures at hazardous waste sites. Topics include hazard identification, emergency response planning, proper use and selection of personal protective equipment (PPE), site control and evaluation, handling drums and containers, field sampling and air monitoring, proper use of instruments, confined spaces, and emergency response including field exercises in the use of air-purifying respirators (APR) and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). This course satisfies the requirements for 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 1910.120 and confined space entry training under OSHA Standard 1910.146.

Total Semester Units:5.0 
Total Units for Environmental Technology Field Technician COA program 13.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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