At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- 7 quartersAAS Degree Duration
- 3 quartersCertificate Duration
- 3 SpecializationsAAS Tracks
- $43/hourAverage Wage (WA State)
- $89,600/yearAverage Salary (WA State)
- NUCP ProgramIndustry Alignment
The Nuclear Technology program at Columbia Basin College (CBC) offers Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees and one-year certificate options. This STEM-focused program prepares students for careers in nuclear and energy generation facilities. You will gain knowledge in radiation safety, nuclear power plant operations, and nuclear waste management. CBC is one of about 12 Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Programs (NUCP) in the U.S., ensuring its curriculum aligns with industry needs and established standards for training. The program offers three specialized tracks for the A.A.S. degree, each taking 7 quarters (approximately 21 months): Radiation Protection Technician, Non-Licensed Operator, and Instrumentation & Control Technician. The Radiation Protection Technician AAS also prepares students for the Health Physics BAS degree. The Non-Licensed Operator and Instrumentation & Control Technology tracks develop skills applicable to other vital industries like energy generation, process operations, and manufacturing. Additionally, three one-year certificate options (3 quarters each) are available in Radiation Protection Technician, Non-Licensed Operator, and Instrumentation & Control Technician. All AAS degrees require general education courses in Math, English, Social & Behavior Sciences, and Communication, along with specific science courses. Certificate programs require Math and English courses. Students must achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 in major courses to continue enrollment.
Curriculum
Students gain knowledge in core areas of nuclear technology, including safety, operations, and specific technical skills depending on their chosen specialization. The program also incorporates essential general education and science courses.
- Year 1 (Certificate)
- General Education (Math, English)
- Core Nuclear Technology Courses (Examples: Nuclear Math and Physics, Nuclear Chemistry, Nuclear Safety, Radiation Fundamentals, Radiation Safety)
- Specialization Courses (Depending on track)
- Years 1-2 (AAS Degree)
- General Education (Math, English, Social & Behavior Sciences, Communication)
- Core Science Courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Core Nuclear Technology Courses (Examples: Nuclear Math and Physics, Nuclear Chemistry, Nuclear Safety, Reactor Plant Systems, Reactor Plant Operations, Nuclear Facilities, Radiation Fundamentals, Radiation Safety, Electricity Generation and power transmission, Instrumentation and Controls Theory)
- Specialization Courses (Radiation Protection Technician, Non-Licensed Operator, or Instrumentation & Control Technician)
Careers
Graduates are prepared for high-demand, well-paying careers in the nuclear technology sector and related energy industries. The program's curriculum is designed to meet industry standards, ensuring graduates possess the necessary knowledge for success.
- Nuclear Power Plant Operations
- Nuclear Fuel Fabrication
- Research Facilities
- Radiation Protection Technician
- Non-Licensed Operator
- Instrumentation & Control Technician
- Advanced Manufacturing
- New Nuclear Storage
- Battery Storage
- Energy Efficiency & Management
- Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technology
- Solar, Wind, and Water Systems
Frequently asked questions
- What are the program duration options for the Nuclear Technology diploma?
- The program offers Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees which take 7 quarters (approximately 21 months), and one-year certificate options which take 3 quarters each.
- What are the entry requirements for the Nuclear Technology program?
- Applicants need a High School Diploma or GED. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis for those who attend an information session and are ready to register.
- Are there specific English proficiency requirements for international students?
- The provided data does not specify particular English proficiency tests or scores for this program. International students should check CBC's international admissions page for general requirements.
- What career opportunities are available after completing the Nuclear Technology program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Nuclear Power Plant Operations, Radiation Protection Technician, and Instrumentation & Control Technician within the nuclear and energy sectors.
- How do I apply to the Nuclear Technology program?
- Prospective students must attend an information session, typically held in March, April, and May for Fall cohorts, then complete the general CBC application and register for classes.
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or GEDRequired for admission.
General Education CoursesAAS degrees require Math, English, Social & Behavior Sciences, and Communication courses. Certificates require Math and English courses.
Core Science CoursesAAS degrees require Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses.
Minimum GradeA minimum grade of 2.0 is required in major courses to continue enrollment.
N/AN/A
Admission to the program is on a first-come, first-served basis for those who have attended an information session and are ready to register. Information sessions are typically held in March, April, and May for Fall cohorts.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to CBC's official tuition and fees page for current rates.
Tuition (home)Please refer to CBC's official tuition and fees page for current rates.
LivingNot specified.
The Nuclear Technology program does not have additional fees beyond regular CBC tuition and fees. Tuition estimates can vary based on individual enrollment and program progression.
How to apply
1. Attend an Information SessionInformation sessions are crucial for program admission and are typically held in March, April, and May for Fall cohorts. Check the CTE Events Portal for specific dates and times.
2. Apply to CBCComplete the general 'Apply to CBC' process. International students may have additional requirements.
3. Register for ClassesProgram admission is on a first-come, first-served basis for those ready to register after attending an information session.
4. Develop a Degree PlanWork with a Completion Coach to create a personalized plan, especially important as not all courses are offered every quarter.
Scholarships
Workforce Education Center GrantsVaries
General CBC ScholarshipsVaries
Accreditation
CBC is recognized as one of about 12 Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Programs (NUCP) in the U.S., ensuring alignment with industry standards.
Frequently asked questions
What are the program duration options for the Nuclear Technology diploma?
+
The program offers Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees which take 7 quarters (approximately 21 months), and one-year certificate options which take 3 quarters each.
What are the entry requirements for the Nuclear Technology program?
+
Applicants need a High School Diploma or GED. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis for those who attend an information session and are ready to register.
Are there specific English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
The provided data does not specify particular English proficiency tests or scores for this program. International students should check CBC's international admissions page for general requirements.
What career opportunities are available after completing the Nuclear Technology program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Nuclear Power Plant Operations, Radiation Protection Technician, and Instrumentation & Control Technician within the nuclear and energy sectors.
How do I apply to the Nuclear Technology program?
+
Prospective students must attend an information session, typically held in March, April, and May for Fall cohorts, then complete the general CBC application and register for classes.