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Program Information
The Plumbing Technology Diploma 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 diploma will have earned a Plumbing Technology certificate by completion.
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.
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 | ||||
Second Semester | ||||
| PLU 101 - Pipefitting for Maintenance Trades | 2.0 Credit(s) | |||
| PLU 188 - Commercial Plumbing Lab | 6.0 Credit(s) | |||
| PLU 198 - Applied Plumbing Practices | 3.0 Credit(s) | |||
| PLU 181 - Commercial Code | 2.0 Credit(s) | |||
Semester Total: 13.0 Credits | ||||
Total Semester Hours Required: 29.0 | ||||
Notes:1May substitute with MAT 102 or higher | ||||
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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.
- Explain the components and assembly techniques required for standard pipe and water supply systems.
- Diagnose plumbing systems.
- Troubleshoot plumbing systems.
Program Disclaimers
- Salary information from EMSI Analyst Database