Nondestructive Examination Technology

The nondestructive examination (NDE) industry has grown 12% over the past two years and is expected to grow 26% over the next 10 years. Individuals in the industry are retiring faster than those entering the field, causing a demand for incoming inspectors to fill in available positions. Nondestructive examination is universally applied across many industries. As a result, the methods are diverse and applicable to a whole host of components. NDE is truly a rewarding and challenging career.

What You Will Learn

Nondestructive examination/testing (NDE or NDT) is a group of techniques used to evaluate the properties or determine the structural integrity of a material or component without damaging or impairing the serviceability of the part or system. Central Piedmont offers courses in the six most common NDT methods:

• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Eddy Current Testing (ECT)
• Visual Testing (VT)

Since NDE does not require the destruction, or often the disassembly of a system, it is a highly valuable technique that saves time and money both during product manufacturing and in-service inspection. Industry applications of NDE/NDT include examination of valves, welds, vessels, heat exchanger tubing, and fiberglass reinforced plastics in power plant and petrochemical applications. Other applications include aircraft and component inspection in aerospace (military and civilian) as well as bridge and building construction. Career opportunities abound in the NDE/NDT field as our aging infrastructure, petrochemical, aircraft, and power generation facilities all require more careful inspection and examination to serve in their intended purpose safely.

The NDE curriculum meets classroom and laboratory training requirements of Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), permitting graduates the opportunity to obtain method-specific NDE/NDT certification after a few months of on-the-job experience with their employers. Graduates receive job offers in a variety of industries, such as nuclear, aerospace, nautical, and structural.

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Why Choose Central Piedmont

Central Piedmont is one of only a handful of schools within the nation that offers an associate degree in nondestructive examination. The hands-on knowledge gained from our associate degree is invaluable when applying for a position. Designed with managers, supervisors, engineers, quality inspectors, procurement, source inspectors, and technical personnel involved within the NDE/NDT field in mind, our nondestructive examination program boasts over a 90% employment rate upon graduation.

Our program is also approved for workplace learning opportunities while you are in school — Central Piedmont has an entire department dedicated to connecting students with applicable work based learning opportunities such as cooperative education, internships, and/or apprenticeships. Our program is also the proud host of the North Carolina Student Section of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. Our goal is to provide an environment for students to grow and network within the NDE/NDT field. This allows future generations of students the chance to continue doing NDE/NDT with the same goal of safety that has been ASNT’s goal since the beginning.

Real World Education

At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.