Oil Refinery Operations

The United States is home to thousands of oil refineries, all of which need experts to run their operations. Oil refinery operators are highly paid and enjoy a stable work environment, and there's an ongoing need for entry-level personnel. Sounds great, right? This online course will teach you everything you need to know to enter the energy industry as an oil refinery operator. The course is unique and user-friendly, designed for people who have minimal knowledge of the industry.

The energy industry is ever-changing, encompassing everything from power plant operations, to petrochemicals like oil and natural gas, to renewable energy sources. Taking an oil refinery operations course offers you a path to a growing sector of the field. A large portion of the workforce is retiring, creating a critical shortage of technical workers for many years to come—which is great for entry-level workers.

Currently very few institutions provide entry-level training and courses in oil refinery operation. Generally, oil refinery operators enter the workforce in entry-level positions and work their way up, sometimes to senior management positions. In their day-to-day tasks, oil refinery operators have the responsibility to make sure unit and process systems function properly. They consider personnel safety the primary objective and ensure production processes are operating safely. They continually monitor instrumentation and the operation of equipment and make adjustments to keep system process variables within acceptable ranges. Oil refinery operators also detect potential and actual problems and take corrective action to prevent the interruption of system operations. You will learn how to perform all these oil refinery processes and more in this course.

What you will learn

• How to operate an oil refinery with safety as the prime consideration.
• Instrumentation and the operation of equipment.
• How to keep system process variables, such as flows, temperatures, and pressures, within acceptable ranges.
• How to detect problems, analyze trends, and take corrective action.
• How to maintain communication with other operators, maintenance, and management.

How you will benefit

• You will be prepared for entry-level jobs at oil refinery companies in the United States.
• You will be awarded an official certificate of completion.
• You will be able to use our facilitators and career counselors to help you build your resume and to give you advice during your job search.

1. Basic Safety
2. Basic Hazard Communication
3. Basic Lockout-Tagout
4. Math 1000: Basic Math 1
5. Math 2000: Basic Math 2
6. Math2500: Basic Math 3
7. Applied Physics 1
8. Applied Physics 2
9. Applied Physics 3
10. Heat Exchangers
11. Lubrication and Bearings
12. Electrical Safety
13. Electricity for Operators and Technicians
14. Industrial Valves
15. Compressed Air
16. How to Read Process Drawings
17. Basic Process Instrumentation and Control
18. Pump Fundamentals
19. Centrifugal Pumps - Operation
20. Refining 1000: Introduction to Petroleum Refining
21. Refining 2000: Distillation Technology
22. Refining 3000: Basic Refinery Processes

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or newer.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. You're encouraged to print the on-screen course material for your reference.

Prerequisites:

This course is for you if you seek entry-level employment in an oil refinery.

To enroll in this course, you should have basic keyboarding and computer skills, and be comfortable navigating the Internet and using email. You should also have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Can I register for a course if I am an international student?

Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country's regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.

Does this course prepare for a certification?

No.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive twelve (12) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.

What do OSCA and RSO stand for?

OSCA stands for Occupational Safety Councils of America, an organization that offers training and consultation in the field of workplace safety. OSCA helps develop industry standard best practices and courses such as the Refinery Safety Overview (RSO). Many of the RSO objectives are covered in our comprehensive Oil Refinery Operations Online Training course.

How much does an operator at a refinery make?

Depending on industry and location, entry-level oil refinery operators can make $13.00 to $20.00 per hour. After a few years of experience, generally the pay range is $18.00 to $35.00 per hour. Benefits are usually above average for workers. Oil refinery operators are rarely laid off, and nearly all regions of the United States have oil or hydrocarbon manufacturing facilities.