The single most important issue facing this otherwise extremely clean energy generation source is what to do with the waste, which is why the public has been so loathe to turn to nuclear energy as a power source. However, given the environmental changes, the cost of fossil fuels and the global growth in energy demand, both supporters and (former) detractors are looking closely at nuclear power. Europe, particularly France, currently leads in technology, but there can be a bright future for someone looking to enter or advance in the field. Familiarize yourself with some of the key terms on nuclear power education and training to jumpstart your preparation for a career in nuclear power.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Generic Fundamentals Examination (GFE)

The first of a series of reactor operator licensing exams administered by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Generic Fundamentals Examination (GFE) covers three fundamental areas of nuclear power plants: components, reactor theory, and thermodynamics.

I recommend: The NRC administers the GFE quarterly.

Non-licensed operator

A non-licensed operator assists licensed reactor operators and senior reactor operators in day-to-day operations of a nuclear plant.

I recommend: Bismarck State College offers students the option of an Associates degree or a Program Certificate in Nuclear Power Technology to get a head start in becoming a non-licensed operator.

Health physics

Health physics involves protecting people from radiation exposure, as well as monitoring and reporting any exposure that occurs and monitoring the person for health effects.

I recommend: Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania offers a BS program in health physics.

Chemistry technician

Chemistry technicians focus on the plant chemistry and radioactivity levels, measuring and recording levels to ensure they stay within safe operating levels.

I recommend: American Technologies (ATI) offers a Nuclear Power Technology Training program covering skills needed for chemistry technicians.

Maintenance or mechanical technician

Maintenance or mechanical technicians keep the nuclear power plants' mechanical and structural systems running smoothly and reliably.

I recommend: The Nuclear Energy Institute outlines the skill set and education requirements to start out as a mechanical technician.

Radwaste

Shorthand for radioactive waste, a sizable portion of nuclear power plant management involves dealing with radwaste, from handling and processing to storage and disposal. Both commercial and safety issues must be weighed throughout the process, and a number of regulations must be followed.

I recommend: Radwaste.org provides links to find education or training on specific aspects of radwaste.

Nuclear engineering training begins at the collegiate level and never ends. Emerging technologies and global demands for reliable, eco-friendly energy sources require today's nuclear power professional to learn more at every opportunity, and resources for continuing education abound for novices and seasoned nuclear professionals, alike.

Seek nuclear power education and training through a variety of sources to ensure that your educational base is well-rounded and remains up-to-date.

1. Begin with a nuclear power education at a U.S. college or university.

2. Enhance your professional education with continuing education (CE) courses through official licensing bodies and professional groups.

3. Attend nuclear power training seminars hosted by private companies, government agencies and professional organizations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pursue undergrad and advanced collegiate education and training for nuclear engineers

Most commercial nuclear industry training is based on the educational programs completed by engineers and physical scientists. To get the most out of your nuclear power career, complete at least an undergraduate education program before beginning your career and licensure efforts. Nuclear plant operators with college degrees have much more opportunity for advancement than those who only have on-the-job training.

I recommend: Browse programs linked from the Nuclear Energy Institute, such as Excelsior College (online), the U.S. Navy's nuclear education and career program and the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence.

Complete nuclear power training for licensure or CE credit

Professional nuclear energy training must continue on an annual basis for a plant operator or engineer to maintain facility licensure. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will not grant an Operator's License until the employee has three years of experience in a nuclear power plant, of which the operator must have been working six months at the plant they'll be licensed to operate. Licensure takes about a year of extensive education, training and test preparation after the initial Generic Fundamentals Examination (GFE). Licensed operators must then complete a certain number of hours actually operating the reactor each quarter. Employers and state authorities set CE requirements for each facility.

I recommend: Learn what you need to get into the NRC licensure program through the Professional Training Technologies 8-week GFE Fundamentals Training Classes. Earn CE hours from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), or browse courses by specialty or subject at RadWaste.org.

Stay ahead of industry technology, regulations with nuclear power seminars

Government and professional organizations sponsor regular nuclear energy seminars on a variety of topics ranging from licensing a new nuclear reactor facility to recovering and disposing of used uranium. Attend seminars on nuclear power to earn continuing education credits, study for licensure exams and keep your power plant in line with the world's nuclear power industry.

I recommend: Keep up with the latest trends in nuclear power; attend conferences and symposia sponsored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the body that licenses and oversees nuclear power plants and operators in the United States. The American Nuclear Society offers meetings and seminars that specifically address nuclear power education and new technology applications, such as the industry-leading Conference on Nuclear Training and Education (CONTE).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend seminars on atomic energy at least annually to refresh your skills base, but remember that each nuclear reactor has policies and procedures that differ from others. Your NRC Operator's License is valid only with the facility you operate at the time you're licensed and cannot be transferred to another facility. It will automatically expire after six years, or at any time in which you don't meet minimum active-operating hours requirements per quarter.