FIND OUT ABOUT CAREERS IN NUCLEAR SCIENCE
The field of nuclear science encompasses a variety of career options, including power plant technology, nuclear medicine and radiation detection conducted by public safety and homeland security professionals. Information on these careers, how to get the training you need to get started in this growing field and exciting new developments in nuclear energy will be presented in a Nuclear Science Career Awareness Open House on Monday, January 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by Indian River State College (IRSC) with Florida Power & Light (FPL) and the FPL Energy Encounter and will be held in the Kight Center for Emerging Technologies at the IRSC Main Campus, off 35th Street in Fort Pierce. The Open House is held in conjunction with National Nuclear Science Week.
The event will feature nationally recognized experts and employers in nuclear science, including representatives from the US Department of Energy; United States Navy; AREVA, a multi-national industrial and nuclear power company; Westinghouse, The Shaw Group, provider of piping systems and construction services for the power industry; the Center for Energy Workforce Development, Florida Banner Center for Energy, North American Young Generation Nuclear, the Regional Center for Nuclear Education and Training based at IRSC, and others.
FPL and IRSC representatives will provide information on the highly-successful Power Plant Technology Institute, providing a comprehensive education in power plant operations and technologies. Students completing the program earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology and specialize in one of four areas: instrumentation and controls, electrical maintenance, mechanical maintenance and radiological protection. In August, 20 graduates of the program were hired by FPL for full-time positions at the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant. The apprentice-level wage scale averages $55,000 - $57,000 per year, in addition to an attractive benefits package. Graduates of the IRSC Nuclear Medicine Technology program work with physicians to perform nuclear medicine procedures used to diagnose and treat diseases. In diagnosis, NMT’s prepare, measure and give radiopharmaceuticals, known as tracers, to patients. Then, by using a radiation-sensitive camera, images of the internal organs and the tracer routing through the body can be viewed on a monitor. Information on this career option will also be presented at the Open House, as well as discussion of the technology and applications related to radiation detection in law enforcement.
The Open House will feature panel discussions, information booths, and opportunities to speak one-on-one with representatives in the various nuclear science fields. For more information, call the IRSC Call Center toll-free at 1-866-792-4772.
