What Can You Do with a Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree?
The world of nuclear engineering technology is where science fiction meets scientific fact and where the potential to power entire cities rests within the heart of atoms. This powerful technology transforms our world, from generating clean energy to advancing medical breakthroughs. Let’s explore the diverse and dynamic pathways that a nuclear engineering technology degree opens, revealing how nuclear professionals transform our world atom by atom. Exciting opportunities and career prospects await those bold enough to embrace this powerful and versatile discipline.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree?
The most common nuclear engineering technology degree is an associate, followed by a bachelor’s. College Factual reports that, depending on your degree, it can take anywhere from one to more than four years to get your diploma. If you’re studying full time, it’s common to earn your bachelor’s degree in about four years. A part-time student can take anywhere from six to eight years to earn their diploma. This timing can also vary depending on course load per semester.
Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree—Is It Worth It?
You might wonder whether a nuclear engineering technology degree is worth pursuing. There are a variety of reasons you should consider getting one:
- You can work in various settings, including the government, pharmaceutical organizations, and research environments.
- You’re helping to produce a zero-emission source of clean energy.
- You can apply nuclear engineering technology to the medical field and help advance medicines such as cancer radiation therapy.
- About 600 jobs are expected to open for nuclear technicians yearly through 2032, providing ample opportunity to land your dream job.
- The compensation is attractive. As of May 2023, nuclear technicians’ median annual wage was $101,740.
What Will You Learn in a Nuclear Engineering Technology Program?
What can you expect to learn in a nuclear engineering technology degree program? The answer to this question depends on which degree you pursue. An associate degree program covers courses like natural sciences, technical writing, college-level mathematics, and computer applications. A bachelor’s degree program will prepare you for entry into the field with courses like nuclear physics, calculus, thermodynamics, laboratory work, and study in specialized areas such as nuclear safety, nuclear instrumentation, nuclear reactor operations, and more. As part of that specialization, you may select a concentration like Nuclear Leadership or Nuclear Cybersecurity.
Nuclear Leadership
A Nuclear Leadership concentration emphasizes business leadership, organizational behavior, change management, leadership communications, leadership courage, and risk management. It prepares graduates to take on leadership roles within the nuclear industry.
Nuclear Cybersecurity
A Nuclear Cybersecurity concentration focuses on the concepts associated with governance, legal, and cybersecurity compliance in the nuclear industry. Topics include general cybersecurity and the impacts of cyberattacks on nuclear facilities. This concentration prepares students to accept cybersecurity positions within the nuclear industry.
Other Concentrations
If the above concentrations don’t interest you, don’t worry; there are plenty of other topics you can focus on to highlight your skills and interests. Other concentrations you may consider include Nuclear Power Generation, Radiation Protection and Health Physics, Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Management, Medical Applications, Nuclear Materials, Environmental and Radiological Monitoring, and Nuclear Safety and Regulations.
What Are Some Nuclear Engineering Jobs?
What can you do with a nuclear engineering technology degree? Whether you’re drawn to reactor design, radiation therapy, or nuclear policy, there are myriad nuclear engineering jobs to choose from.
Reliability Engineer
A professional who focuses on ensuring that systems and components operate efficiently and consistently over time is a reliability engineer. Their work includes safety analysis, regulatory compliance, system monitoring, and emergency preparedness.
Power System Operator
If you want to monitor a power plant, a power system operator is the job for you. These professionals ensure that electrical power generation and distribution systems produce a continuous and reliable electricity supply. They monitor reactors and enact regulatory guidelines and emergency response plans.
Nuclear Technician
A nuclear technician supports nuclear engineers and physicists in various aspects of nuclear research, power generation, and radiological safety. They monitor reactors, assist with using radioactive materials, support nuclear research projects by collecting data, conduct environmental surveys, and more.
Critical Facilities Control Technician
These technicians are responsible for maintaining and ensuring the continuous, efficient, and safe operation of critical infrastructure facilities, which often include data centers, hospitals, manufacturing plants, and other environments where uninterrupted operations are essential. The role combines technical expertise in systems management, maintenance, and emergency response.
Is There a Demand for Nuclear Engineers in the Future?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of nuclear engineers and technicians is projected to remain stable over the next decade. Hundreds of job openings are expected to open yearly through 2032. Many of these openings result from needing to replace workers who switch careers or exit the labor force (to retire, for example).
How Can You Prepare for a Career in Nuclear Engineering Technology?
Getting a job in nuclear engineering technology takes time and preparation. The first step is obtaining your degree. Employers require a bachelor’s degree for many jobs in this field. Once you receive your diploma, you are qualified to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, which you should consider if you want to continue to become a licensed nuclear engineer. Gaining work experience is your next step in your career path. If you’re looking to become an engineer, you can also take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam and obtain your professional license, depending on your state’s requirements.
Get Your Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree at Excelsior University
Are you ready to start your career in nuclear engineering technology? Excelsior University’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology program is ideal of working adults looking to finish their degree or advance their career, providing students with the practical experience that employers in the industry are looking for, along with support from start to finish. Reach out to an admissions counselor to learn about your exciting future in nuclear engineering technology.
