Nuclear Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree
10-624-1

This program was suspended in Sept. 2022. Please contact Advising at advising@blackhawk.edu, if you have any questions.

Increasing the use of radiation and radioactive materials in today’s world has created a demand for nuclear technicians especially in Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin where the Department of Energy Nuclear Security Administration has approved Shine Medical Technologies and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, Inc. to build production plants in the next 2-3 years. 

The Nuclear Technology Associate’s Degree program offers students a unique opportunity to obtain specialized training to work with radioactive materials.  In addition to being a high demand field, it also pays extremely well.  In fact, according to the Department of Labor website, the median starting salary for this field in 2015 was $38.59 per hour! It’s also an excellent springboard for a four-year degree in health physics and radiation safety.

SHARED PROGRAM

Designed as a shared program with Lakeshore Technical College (LTC), classes may be offered in traditional classroom settings, online or using Interactive Television (ITV) to link instruction from both Blackhawk and LTC.  In some cases, students may be asked to attend classes outside of their current district.  Check with a program adviser for more details or visit the program site on the LTC website.

SPECIAL NOTES

  • Students can earn a Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) certification by maintaining a “B” or above in all coursework (NUCP certification is contingent upon LTC’s NUCP partnership with a nuclear facility)…online students are not eligible.
  • Gaining employment in the nuclear, radiation safety, and health physics likely includes a very comprehensive criminal background check, credit history, civil actions and a psychological profile.
  • Online Option:  Available to working adults in Nuclear/Radiation Safety/Health Physics industry.  Online classes are constructed without hands-on lab components, therefore, online students should work with their industry supervisor to identify suitable activities at the worksite.

Program Outcomes

  • Work safely within industrial and radiological hazard areas.
  • Diagnose equipment requiring electrical or mechanical repair and carry out preventive maintenance procedures.
  • Understand and communicate nuclear technology-related concepts effectively in both oral and written formats.
  • Perform radiological surveys for radiation and radioactive contamination.
  • Follow procedures for operating and maintaining systems and equipment at nuclear facilities.
  • Participate in applying nuclear technologies to a variety of industrial, medical, and research processes.
  • Apply knowledge in a variety of related occupational jobs such as reactor plant operations, maintenance, quality assurance, etc.

Potential Employment Opportunities

  • Nuclear Monitoring Technician
  • Occupational Health and Safety Technician
  • Chemical Technician
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Power Plant Operator, Dispatcher or Distributor