Education and Training

To become a nuclear engineer, there are many qualifications that have to be met and various courses that are required. Firstly, a chemical engineering degree can be obtained to advance into the field of nuclear engineering involving the handling of radioactive materials and their use. This must be acquired through a university and takes a significant amount of hard work and determination. If a student is interested in becoming a nuclear engineer, it is required that they take courses in high school involving mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, trigonometry and calculus. This will help prepare for their profession and the university that they decide to attend. To become a nuclear engineer, it is mandatory to achiever a bachelor’s degree which are typically 4 year programs including science related studies pertaining to a chemical engineering degree. Another way to get into nuclear engineering is by further education and obtaining a master’s degree after the bachelor’s degree, opening up a larger scope of job opportunities in the field. In addition to the education, licenses can be acquired to create a impressive resume while searching for a job. These licenses include:

•  A degree from an engineering program that they attend
• A passing score on the fundamentals of engineering exam
• Previous work experience pertaining to the job
• A passing score on the professional engineering exam

The first fundamentals exam can be written right after graduating and the second exam can be taken after becoming an EIT (engineer in training)

Aside from the education, training can also be taken to improve the chances of finding a job and gives the ability to receive work experience. Any newly hired nuclear engineer at a power plant is required to complete as many as 8 months of training in areas such as safety practices, procedures and regulations. This must all occur previous to being hired and having the privilege to work independently. Also, many university programs offer hands on experience in workplaces to give students a feel for the working environment that they will join in the future. The field of nuclear engineering demands each individual is trained in WHMIS due to the fact that they are handling materials that pose a safety hazard to the lives of others. Engineers continue to undergo training every year to significantly increase their skills in following new laws, using safety procedures and keeping their knowledge in the field.