The Power Plant Technology program gives students an understanding of the generation process in five types of power plants; coal, nuclear, gas, hydroelectric, and solar power. This career path is technically challenging and very rewarding. Energy companies across Kansas have partnered with Power Plant Technology to offer advanced industry-sponsored training for the operation, installation, servicing and repairing of power plant equipment. FHTC offers one of the only power plant training program in Kansas.
Program Options
Power Plant Technology offers a technical certificate and associate of applied science degree option. Courses are available either face-to-face or online and include an internship. High school seniors and juniors are also eligible to apply to this program.
The technical certificate is a one-year program that contains technical courses related to the basic skills and knowledge needed for entry-level employment opportunities in a high-demand industry. For graduates wanting to continue their education, certificate courses are transferable to the Power Plant AAS degree program.
The Power Plant Technology associate of applied science degree is a one-and-a-half-year accelerated program that contains technical and general education courses. The program can also be completed during a two-year span. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills, acquired through classroom, laboratory and internship experiences, needed to partake in advanced industry-sponsored training for the operation, installation, servicing and repairing of power plant equipment.
Watch this video from instructor Jeff Devilbiss to learn more about the Power Plant Technology program.
Associates Degree Course Requirements Technical Certificate Course Requirements
Career Opportunities
The energy industry provides a service that impacts the daily lives of every individual and business in the United States. The retirements of the aging workforce, in combination with an increased demand for electricity, create a tremendous opportunity for students starting a career in energy. Power plants are looking for individuals with an understanding of the generation process to fill varied positions that are both technically challenging and rewarding. Energy companies across Kansas have partnered with the Power Plant program to make sure students are able to spend time in the plants as part of their FHTC experience. Industry experts across the United States have identified FHTC as a “best practice” program in preparing students for this challenging, interesting and rewarding career.
Career opportunities include:
- Combined Cycle or Cogeneration Power Plants
- Fossil Fuel Power Plants
- Thermal Power Plants
- Hydro-Electric Power Plants
- Nuclear Power Plants
Program Faculty
Jeff Devilbiss
Power Plant Technology Instructor
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Jeff began as a Power Plant Technology instructor at FHTC in 2009. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard serving as a Nuclear Shift Test Engineer where he overhauled, repaired, and tested the propulsion plant equipment, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Natalie Martin
Power Plant Technology Instructor
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Natalie began as a Power Plant Technology instructor at FHTC in 2021. Her work experience includes roles in quality assurance across several manufacturing areas and as a high school chemistry and physical science instructor. Natalie has a focused interest in sustainability, the circular economy and renewable technologies and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Emporia State University.
620-341-1371
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Jeff began as a Power Plant Technology instructor at FHTC in 2009. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard serving as a Nuclear Shift Test Engineer where he overhauled, repaired, and tested the propulsion plant equipment, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
620-343-4717
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Natalie began as a Power Plant Technology instructor at FHTC in 2021. Her work experience includes roles in quality assurance across several manufacturing areas and as a high school chemistry and physical science instructor. Natalie has a focused interest in sustainability, the circular economy and renewable technologies and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Emporia State University.
Academic Partnership
FHTC students who complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Power Plant Technology may be eligible to utilize a 2+2 agreement with the following institutions to further their education.
Fort Hays State University: Bachelor of Technology Leadership
Kansas State University: Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
Pittsburg State University: Bachelor of Applied Science
Washburn University: Bachelor of Applied Science
Program Information & Resources
Estimated program costs and testing criteria are available in the documents below. Visit our admissions page to learn about admissions steps and other helpful information.