High School

If you are interested in becoming a nuclear engineer, you must begin preparing yourself in high school. You should take honors-level courses in mathematics and the sciences. Specifically, you should complete courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, physics, and biology. Take English, social studies, and a foreign language (many published technical papers that are required reading in later years are written in German or French). Be sure to keep your computer skills up to date by taking computer science classes.

Postsecondary Training

Engineers must have at least a bachelors degree. You should attend a four-year college or university that is approved by ABET. In a nuclear engineering program, you will focus on subjects similar to those studied in high school but at a more advanced level. Courses also include engineering sciences and atomic and nuclear physics.

These subjects will prepare you for analyzing and designing nuclear systems and understanding how they operate. You will learn and comprehend what is involved in the interaction between radiation and matter; radiation measurements; the production and use of radioisotopes; reactor physics and engineering; and fusion reactions. The subject of safety will be emphasized, particularly with regard to handling radiation sources and implementing nuclear systems.

You must have a masters or doctoral degree for most jobs in research and higher education, and for supervisory and administrative positions. It is recommended that you obtain a graduate degree in nuclear engineering because this level of education will help you obtain the skills required for advanced specialization in the field. Many institutions that offer advanced degrees have nuclear reactors and well-equipped laboratories for teaching and research. You can obtain information about these schools by contacting the U.S. Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov).

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in nuclear science, nuclear engineering, and related fields. For example, the University of Tennessee-Knoxvilles Department of Nuclear Engineering offers certificate programs in medical physics, as well as in nuclear security science and analysis. The schools Tickle College of Engineering offers a reliability and maintainability engineering certificate. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Additionally, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) offers a Nuclear 101 certificate course that provides an introduction to the field. The five-day course provide 32 hours of hands-on learning that covers a variety of nuclear science and technology topics. Visit https://www.ans.org/nuclear101 for more information.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by professional associations, colleges and universities, and for-profit online learning platforms. For example, the ANS offers webinars such as Nuclear Robotics and Remote Systems Updates from Industrial Partners; Five Critical Approaches to Accelerate Advanced Nuclear Enterprise Success with Digital Transformation; State of Nuclear; and Changing Strategy: International Deployment of Nuclear Power Plants. The Nuclear Energy Institute, Society of Women Engineers, and other professional associations also provide continuing education opportunities.

Certification or Licensing

Engineers whose work may affect the life, health, or safety of the public must be registered and licensed in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Those who are licensed are called professional engineers (PE). To qualify for a license, one must have a bachelors degree from a school accredited by ABET, the accrediting board for engineering and technology, four years relevant work experience, and pass a state examination. States often recognize licenses from other states. New engineers may qualify for licensing in two stages. First, they may take the Fundamentals in Engineering examination after graduating from college. They are then considered engineers in training (EIT) or engineer interns (EI). Once they achieve the work experience requirement, and EIT or EI then takes the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. In most states engineers must meet continuing education requirements to maintain their license. The exams are offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (https://ncees.org/).

The American Nuclear Society is currently developing a certified nuclear professional certification program. You can sign up for program updates by visiting https://www.ans.org/certification.

Nuclear engineers should have experience in preparing and interpreting drawings and client specifications. They must be seasoned at reviewing work, maintaining schedules, and adhering to budgets. In addition, they should be skilled at performing field investigations and evaluating existing systems to determine capacity for upgrading. Nuclear engineers should have a solid background in providing technical guidance and briefings to all members on a particular project. They must also have experience in interacting with clients as well as writing proposals and estimating projects.

Nuclear design engineers should possess experience in designing instrumentation or equipment for the specific industry in which they specialize. For instance, an engineer in the nuclear fuels field should have a working background involving radioactive waste removal, while those in the equipment arena should have experience in utilizing radioactive materials to solve problems in medicine, science, and agriculture.

Nuclear construction engineers should have a lengthy history with on-site facilities projects, such as power plants and reactors. These engineers must possess a proven track record of teamwork as they work closely with other specialists and often are responsible for supervising crew members. In addition, they must be capable of analyzing and solving critical aspects that can lead to nuclear disasters.

Nuclear engineers will encounter two unique concerns. First, exposure to high levels of radiation may be hazardous; thus, engineers must always follow safety measures. Those working near radioactive materials must adhere to strict precautions outlined by regulatory standards. In addition, female engineers of childbearing age may not be allowed to work in certain areas or perform particular duties because of the potential harm to the human fetus from radiation.

Finally, nuclear engineers must be prepared for a lifetime of continuing education. In some states, license renewal is contingent upon earning continuing education credits.