This thirty-seven (37) credit technical certificate program teaches entry-level skills required for employment in the nuclear industry. Students entering this program must have elevated aptitude in mathematics. The program consists of two semesters of focused classroom instruction divided into four modules. Each module is one half semester. Upon successful completion of all classroom and lab instruction, students will attend practical supervised work experience at the Idaho National Laboratories (INL) and/or other facilities.
Program instructional components will be provided in the areas of: basic mathematics and algebra, unit analysis and conversion, physical sciences, nuclear physics, sources of radiation, radioactivity and radioactive decay, interactions of radiation with matter, biological effects of radiation, radiological protection standards, As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), external and internal exposure control, radiation detector theory, radiological documentation, communication systems, counting errors and statistics, dosimetry, contamination control, airborne sampling programs and methods, respiratory protection, radiological source control, environmental monitoring, access control and work area setup, radiological work coverage, shipment and receipt of radioactive material, radiological incidents and emergencies, personnel decontamination, radiological considerations for first aid, radiation survey instrumentation, contamination monitoring instrumentation, air sampling equipment, and counting room equipment.
Graduates of the Radiation Safety program will possess the skills, knowledge, and field-based training necessary to gain employment as entry-level technicians in this rewarding occupation. Qualified radiation safety technicians may be employed at Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) commercial nuclear power plants, dosimetry laboratories, accelerators, and university research facilities that work with radioactive materials.
Entrance Requirements
Students must qualify for MATH 108 and ENGL 101 , or discuss qualifications with an admissions counselor.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Know and apply radiation safety fundamentals and work safely to protect yourself and others
- Employable as a well-trained, and professional radiation safety technician
- Demonstrate proficiency in practical exercises and skills used by a radiation safety technician on the job
Program Costs
In addition to the semester registration fees, students can expect to spend approximately $350 on textbooks and instructional materials.
Program Continuation Requirements
All program specific courses must be passed with a 70% before continuing on to the next course.
- Thirty-seven (37) Credits
- Financial Aid Eligible
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