Nondestructive Testing Technology (NDT) Program
Ensuring product and quality safety is at the heart of everything done at Ridgewater’s Nondestructive Testing Technology (NDT) program. Using a variety of inspection methods, students learn to detect internal and external imperfections or defects in everything from planes, trains, and automobiles to bridges, roller coasters, and pipelines. High demand in all industries with high earning potential make this a career you’ll want to explore!
Ridgewater College is recognized as one of the nation’s best NDT programs and was spotlighted by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) in its Materials Evaluation publication.
Press Releases
- $200,000+ in Donations to Enhance Ridgewater NDT Program [PDF] (or view with photo).
- Drone donation brings high-tech aerial inspection method to Ridgewater NDT students [PDF]
Program delivery
- Hutchinson campus
- Fall, spring and summer starts
Skills you will learn
- A wide variety of inspection methods including:
- Magnetic particle
- Penetrants
- Ultrasonic
- Phased array
- Eddy current
- Radiography
- Computerized radiography
- Visual
- Safe testing practices
- Product dependability and safety
- Welding quality control
Equipment you will use
- X-ray tubes
- Isotope exposure devices
- Eddy current instruments
- Magnetic particle units
- Ultrasonic
- Phased array
- Computerized radiography
- Computerized tomography imaging
- Liquid penetrant line systems
Choose Ridgewater
The gold standard for industrial inspection training is set in Ridgewater College’s Nondestructive Testing Technology (NDT) program. Well-known throughout the country and within the industry as having the most extensive training and best equipped, leading edge, nondestructive testing facility, Ridgewater’s program is one of the best colleges in the United States for NDT education and was spotlighted by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) in its Materials Evaluation publication. Being the longest running program doesn’t hurt either – established in 1969! Our most successful students are those who like to work with their hands to apply scientific principles, take pride in being detail-oriented, and are trustworthy and reliable for an industry that requires a high level of integrity and accountability in its reporting.
Program distinction
Ridgewater College Nondestructive Technology faculty hold a number of level III credentials.
Program attributes that help students thrive
- Industry partners that visit Ridgewater yearly to recruit our interns and graduates
- Current industry equipment
- Hands-on learning for hands-on work
- 97-100% job placement since 2010 for program graduates
- Ability to work at your own pace – flexible environment
- Personalized instruction from industry experts
Note: For information about Ridgewater’s Nondestructive Technology Customized Training and Continuing Education, go to www.ridgewater.edu/customized or call 320-234-8537.
Salary and Job Outlook Nondestructive Testing
| Potential Careers for Graduates | Entry Level Annual Wage 2018 | Median Annual Wage 2018 | Projected Growth Rate 2016-2026 | Projected National Job Openings 2016-2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nondestructive Testing Specialist | $41,142 | $62,230 | 5-9% | 7,100 |
| Engineering Technicians | $36,379 | $62,230 | -3% | 116 |
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