Universal Symbol for Radiation
Graduates of a radiation protection technician (RPT) program are in high demand. They have copious job offers upon graduation. These technicians, under supervision, measure and record radiation levels. They also calibrate instruments and protective equipment and decontaminate radioactive areas. They are required to pass knowledge and safety examinations.
Education
An aspiring radiation protection technician needs a high school diploma or GED. He then needs to find a training course. With two years of on-the-job training and passing the examination, he is ready to find a well-paying radiation protection job. Technical and community colleges that partner with nuclear utility companies have a curriculum approved for training these technicians. Spartan Community College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has an associate degree in applied science that requires a Fundamentals of Radiation Science certificate for admission to the program.
National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT)
The National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists, established in 1976, is an advocate of the education and instruction of radiation protection technologists. The NRRPT has provided registration and created a 150-page accrediting exam for technologists. The RPT agrees to abide by the NRRPT code of ethics upon registration in the organization.
Outlook
Some Radiation Protection Technicians work in nuclear power plants.
The outlook for radiation protection technicians is excellent. The Nuclear Energy Institute reports that a RPT's salary ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 a year.
Tags: Radiation Protection, National Registry, National Registry Radiation, protection technician, Protection Technologists
