Nuclear Technology

“As expanding economies continue to grow, the one source of energy that we can develop rapidly, cheaply and with next-to-no emissions is nuclear energy.” – Craig Stevens

Did you know that nuclear energy accounts for 20% of the electrical power produced in the United States? Increasing the use of radiation and radioactive materials in today’s world has created demand for nuclear technicians especially in Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin where the Department of Energy Nuclear Security Administration has approved Shine Medical Technologies and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, Inc. to build production plants in the next 2-3 years.

The Nuclear Technology Associate’s Degree program offers students a unique opportunity to obtain specialized training to work with radioactive materials. In addition to being a high demand field, it also pays extremely well. This program is also an excellent springboard for a four-year degree in health physics and radiation safety.

Designed as a shared program with Lakeshore Technical College (LTC), classes may be offered in a traditional classroom or online setting to link instruction from both Blackhawk and LTC. In some cases, students may be asked to attend classes outside of their current district. Check with a program advisor for more details or view the full-time program sheet. 

• Students can earn a Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) certification by maintaining a “B” or above in all coursework (NUCP certification is contingent upon LTC’s NUCP partnership with a nuclear facility) — online students are not eligible.
• Gaining employment in the nuclear, radiation safety, and health physics industry likely includes a very comprehensive criminal background check, credit history, civil actions, and a psychological profile.
• Online Option: Available to working adults in the Nuclear/Radiation Safety/Health Physics industry. Online classes are constructed without hands-on lab components; therefore, online students should work with their industry supervisor to identify suitable activities at their worksite.