Program offers training for careers in nuclear power

OCEANSIDE — Renewed interest in nuclear power production, combined with an increasing number of retirees, means more job opportunities are on the horizon for radiation protection technicians (RPT), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

MiraCosta College is meeting this need by offering RPT certification, and is only one of a handful of colleges in the country with this specialized program.

“Workers are retiring and the pipeline of new employees is slim,” says Dr. Eric Goldin, the lead instructor for MiraCosta’s RPT Program. “There’s a great market for qualified technicians. After they graduate from MiraCosta’s program, students can expect to make about $70,000 a year working in a power plant. Plus, there are ample opportunities in other industries such as health care, biotechnology, and research and development.”

Radiation protection technicians measure and record radiation levels. They also service and calibrate radiation protection instruments and equipment. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety of employees working in radiation areas, as well as the facility’s compliance with radiation requirements.

MiraCosta’s program was developed through a partnership between MiraCosta and the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

Students who are interested in starting the program can begin this spring by completing the program’s prerequisites, which include course work in chemistry, communication, English, math and physics. The program’s core radiation protection courses will be taught next fall.

For additional information about the program, contact Goldin at (760) 757-2121, ext. 1315, or [email protected].