Several colleges train students to become nuclear technicians.
Nuclear technicians monitor radiation, work with nuclear test and research equipment and help engineers with research, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of these technicians is expected to grow by 9 percent between 2008 and 2018. The median hourly wage of nuclear technicians in May 2008 was $32.64. Employers usually look for technicians who have at least two years of postsecondary training in an area such as nuclear technology, according to Education-Portal.com. Several colleges in the United States train individuals to become nuclear technicians.
Lakeshore Technical College/Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Students can train for an entry-level position in the nuclear field through the nuclear technology program offered in partnership by Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin, and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. Classes cover topics such as technical mathematics, radiation physics and hydraulics. The program uses interactive television to link classes at the two schools, while some are also available online. Students can choose to obtain an associate degree in nuclear technology with a radiation safety concentration or a radiation safety technician certificate. Following the program, students can work for nuclear power facilities, radioactive waste handling facilities or U.S. Department of Energy sites, among other opportunities. Students also can move on to obtain a four-year degree in fields such as nuclear engineering. Founded in 1967, Lakeshore Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, which shares the same accreditation, was founded in 1913.
Lakeshore Technical College
1290 North Ave.
Cleveland, WI 53015
920-693-1000
gotoltc.com/programs/nuclearTech.php
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
2740 W. Mason St.
P.O. Box 19042
Green Bay, WI 54307
920-498-5400
gotoltc.com/programs/nuclearTech.php
Excelsior College
The associate degree program in nuclear technology at Excelsior College in Albany, New York, teaches students a variety of skills to become a nuclear technician. The program is perfect for individuals who already work in the military or in nuclear industry fields such as reactor operations or chemical technology. Students learn use algebra and trigonometry to solve problems in nuclear areas. Other program topics include nuclear instrumentation and control systems, reactor safety and thermodynamics. Founded in 1971, the private Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Excelsior College
7 Columbia Circle
Albany, NY 12203
888-647-2388
excelsior.edu/Excelsior_College/School_of_Business_and_Technology/Technology_Programs/AS_IN_NUCLEAR_TECHNOLOGY
Columbia Basin College
The Columbia Basin College Nuclear Technology Program in Pasco, Washington, allows students to gain the technical expertise and analytical skills required of technicians in the nuclear field. Associate degree courses cover operating nuclear systems, radiological protection theory and project management principles. The training requirements also include an internship. The program follows the National Uniform Curriculum program guide standards developed by the Nuclear Energy Institute. Founded in 1955, Columbia Basin College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Columbia Basin College
2600 N. 20th Ave.
Pasco, WA 99301
509-547-0511
columbiabasin.edu/home/index.asp?page=2727
Tags: Technical College, Basin College, Columbia Basin, Columbia Basin College, Excelsior College
