Radiation Protection Technology
Associate Degree in Applied Science
Program Start Date: Summer term
Minimum Program Length: 5 terms day or evening
Note: Students required to take Transitional Studies courses or who elect to attend part-time will take longer to complete the designated program.
Program Description
The Associate Degree in Applied Science with a major in Radiation Protection Technology provides the fundamental knowledge and skills to the student who desires a career as a radiation protection technician in a nuclear power facility. Entrance into the program requires a successful completion of the Fundamentals of Radiation Science certificate with a C or better in every course. The two-year curriculum includes general education college transfer courses, nuclear power plant operation courses taught by Institute of Nuclear Power Operation (INPO) certified Duke Energy instructors, and two paid, hands-on internships in local nuclear power facilities that will prepare the graduate for immediate employment as a junior radiation protection technician.
Practical Experience
General education courses will provide students hands-on physical science and chemistry laboratory scenarios in which they develop and hone laboratory skills. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to use up-to-date microcomputer hardware and software similar to that used in business and industry. Major courses in radiation protection will provide students with on-the-job training (OJT) followed by task performance evaluation (TPE) that will allow for successful on-site performance. Qualifying students will participate in two hands-on internships in a nearby nuclear power facility. The duration of each internship will be a minimum of 40 days with a minimum number of 240 hours of on-site activity and training. Collectively, these courses will promote critical thinking skills that will allow for effective communication, teambuilding and problem-solving skills stressed in the work place.
Professional Opportunities
Graduates of the Associate Degree in Applied Science with a major Radiation Protection Technology Program will be prepared for immediate employment as junior radiation protection technicians in any U.S. nuclear power facility.
Unique Aspects
Currently, this program is the only one in the state of South Carolina and exists due to a partnership formed between the College and Duke Energy. This relationship allows for instruction on radiation protection by veteran Institute of Nuclear Power Operation (INPO) certified Duke Energy instructors and on site internships in local nuclear power facilities. This partnership allows for the college to provide not only the general education courses required for understanding radiation protection, but INPO certified instruction in radiation protection as well.
EEDA Career Cluster
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Course Requirements* for Industrial Technology in Radiation Protection Technology
A. General Education Courses (followed by number of credit hours)
CHM 105 General, Organic and Biochemistry (4)
CPT 101 Introduction to Computers (3)
CPT 174 Microcomputer Spreadsheets (3)
ENG 101 English Composition I (3)
ENG 260 Advanced Technical Communications (3)
MAT 110 College Algebra (3)
MAT 168 Geometry and Trigonometry (3)
PHS 101 Physical Science I (4)
PSY 201 General Psychology (3)
PHS 102 Physical Science II (4)
RPT 101 Introduction to Radiation Protection** (1)
SPC 209 Interpersonal Communications (3)
*Grade of “C” or better is required in all general education courses.
**This RPT 101 course is required during the freshman year and is part of the Fundamentals of Radiation Science Certificate Program.
B. Major Courses (followed by number of credit hours)
RPT 101 Introduction to Radiation Protection (1)
RPT 201 Power Plant Fundamentals (4)
RPT 202 Fundamental Plant Systems (1)
RPT 203 General Employee Training (3)
RPT 204 Human Resources and Error Reduction (1)
RPT 205 Radiation Detection and Standards (2)
RPT 206 Radiation Monitoring and Exposure Control (4)
RPT 207 Contamination Control & Incident Prevention (3)
RPT 208 Radiation Protection Internship I (1)
RPT 210 SCWE in Radiation Protection Internship I (4)
RPT 211 Research in Radiation Protection (1)
RPT 212 On Job Training and Task Performance Evaluation Preparation (1)
RPT 213 OJT/TPE on Standardized Tasks (6)
RPT 216 Radiation Protection Internship II (1)
RPT 218 SCWE in Radiation Protection Internship II (4)
**Grade of “B” or better is required in all major courses.
C. Electives and/or Other Additional Courses Required
• None
Minimum semester hours required for graduation: 73