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Polymer Processing
Certificate
In just one year, you can gain the skills needed to become a machine operator in the rapidly growing field of polymer manufacturing. Polymers, commonly known as plastics, are used everywhere; from medical devices and residential construction materials to automobiles and aircraft. Industry demand for skilled operators is high, and this program prepares you to meet that need through hands-on labs taught by experienced faculty. By graduation, you will be ready to move directly into a career in this essential field.
Are you currently a high school student? Find the information you need to pursue Polymer Processing Certificate while in high school.
Courses
Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.
2
Semesters
14
Courses
32
Credits
- Legend# Credits
- Program-specific courses
- General courses
- 3
- 1
- 3
- 1
- 1
- 2
- 1
- 3
8 courses 15 credits
75% program-specific courses
- 1
- 3
- 4
- 3
- 3
- 3
6 courses 17 credits
50% program-specific courses
Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring and summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions.
Careers
- Extrustion machine operator
- Injection mold operator
Industry-aligned Education
$21.85
Median pay
College Certificate in One Year
What are Polymers?
Polymers shape the world around us. At Penn College, we primarily study plastics, classified as a type of polymer. The development of polymers, under the umbrella of materials science, has led to many advancements in the material world we interact with everyday.
Polymers in Sneakers
Polymers in Sneakers
Through the use of highly engineered polymers, our shoes help us run faster and jump higher than ever before.
Polymers in Medicine
Polymers in Medicine
Sutures, IV tubes, prosthetics, and hernia & brain patch applications are all made with polymer materials.
Polymers in Energy
Polymers in Energy
Polymers used in housing insulation significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
Polymers in Cars
Polymers in Cars
New automobiles can be made with up to 50% plastic materials, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
About the program
Program Benefits
At Penn College, you’ll learn in hands-on labs alongside faculty with industry experience. Through lecture and practice, you’ll learn how to apply the knowledge you gain via extensive lab hours. Because of industry partnerships, you’ll learn on real-world machinery that will prepare you for your post-graduation career. You’ll build technical expertise in:
- Decoupled molding processes
- Mold setup and troubleshooting
- Operating extrusion systems
- Automation systems
In addition to technical skill, you will build a foundation in data analysis and communication. These skillsets are critical to success in the polymer workforce, preparing you for career advancement. If you choose to pursue engineering roles, the Polymer Processing Certificate program provides a seamless credit-pathway to the Polymer Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree.
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Scholarships
As a Polymer Engineering student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 106 scholarships.
Penn College News: Real World Ready
International publication features retired polymer professor
February 23, 2026
Professor Emeritus Kirk M. Cantor is the cover story in the latest issue of Plastics Review, a weekly trade e-magazine published by TechnoBiz, a Thailand-based…
Penn College participates in manufacturing career day
December 16, 2025
The Penn College Workforce Development polymers team recently attended the Da Vinci Science Center’s Manufacturing Career Connection Day in Allentown. More than…
Company renews commitment to Penn College polymer program
October 23, 2025
An industry leader has extended its long-standing commitment to the polymer engineering program at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Novatec Inc. – the…
Two retired Penn College faculty granted emeritus status
October 14, 2025
The Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors approved two retired faculty for emeritus status during its Oct. 9 board meeting. Kirk M. Cantor,…
Penn College offers certificate pathway for high school students
September 11, 2025
With the support of a National Science Foundation grant, Pennsylvania College of Technology is offering a pathway for high school students to earn 32 college…
Plastics pros attend extrusion seminar at Penn College
June 24, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center recently hosted 21 industry professionals – representing 12 companies and seven…
Penn College offers injection molding workshop
June 17, 2025
Nine industry professionals recently spent three days immersed in the Injection Molding Processing Fundamentals Workshop at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s…
Penn College hosts rotational molding workshop
May 30, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center trained 14 industry professionals representing 10 companies during a recent…
Grant boosts Penn College’s partnership efforts in Lehigh Valley
May 29, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology has been awarded a $50,000 state grant to enhance economic and educational development in the Lehigh Valley. Supported,…
College lab named in honor of West Pharmaceutical Services
April 11, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology has recognized the support of longtime partner West Pharmaceutical Services Inc., a global leader in innovative solutions for…
People: Meet the Makers
Alumni
Alexa Korinchak
Polymer Engineering
It wasn’t until after a few years of community college and a VIP plastics tour from a family friend that Alexa found something that genuinely sparked her interest.
Alumni
Dalton Smith
Polymer Engineering
His interest in plastics and polymers began in high school while working with his father at Shop-Vac where he first explored injection molding.
Alumni
Hannah Maize
Polymer Engineering
She loves her career and the thrill of solving challenges. “I'm never bored and always learning something new,” she says.
More Information
Failure to achieve a grade of ‘C’ or above in a major-related course (PPT, MSC, QAL) after the maximum attempts allowed by College policy, results in withdrawal from the major.
Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.
Required Laptop Computer
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
- Unless otherwise specified by your major, MacBooks and other Apple products are not recommended for coursework.
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor (recommended).
- ARM based processors are not recommended.
- 16+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
- The laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- The laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Extended support agreement, including accidental damage protection (recommended).
- Power bank suitable for your laptop (recommended).
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
Polymer Technology Advisory Committee Members
Ms. Heather Fennell
Technical Service Engineer
Shell Chemical LP
Mr. Matthew Leatherman
Process Manager
Carlisle Construction Materials Inc.
Mr. Steven D Morgan
Plastics Engineer
Bausch & Lomb
Mr. Sean M Stabler
Research & Innovation Manager
SEKISUI KYDEX
Ms. Adriana Velasquez
TS Engineer
Shell Polymers
Mr. Ralph Wolstenholme
Vice President
Med Plast Westfield
Mr. Adam R Wrench, PMP
Process Excellence Manager
West Pharmaceutical Services
Assistant Professor, Plastics & Polymer Technology, Co-Department Head
Assistant Professor, Plastics & Polymer Technology, Co-Department Head
Instructor, Plastics & Polymer Technology
Instructor, Plastics & Polymer Technology
Contact Information
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