Northern New Mexico CollegeLearn everything you need to know about the program and how to take the first step toward enrollment.
Program Overview
Radiation Protection (RDPR) is an exciting field of study with many local, national and international job opportunities. A Radiation Control Technician (RCT) works to ensure the safe handling and operation of radioactive materials or radiation-generating equipment. RCTs are a pivotal part of any facility that works with these materials, including medical and physical research labs, nuclear power production, environmental cleanup, and more. RCTs perform measurements of radiological conditions and levels, and are always in high demand.
This certificate is designed to provide entry-level skills required for employment in the nuclear industry. This program provides the technical skills to conduct radiation surveys, interpret survey data, and assess personnel protection requirements for the protection of human health. In addition to specialized classroom and laboratory instruction, students are required to complete supervised field experience.
Program Highlights
Radiation Physics and Fundamentals: Acquire a solid foundation in radiation physics, understanding the properties and behavior of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
Radiation Protection Regulations: Explore regulations and guidelines related to radiation protection, ensuring compliance with industry standards and legal requirements.
Radiation Detection Instruments: Learn to operate and interpret readings from radiation detection instruments, including Geiger-Muller counters, scintillation detectors, and dosimeters.
Radiation Monitoring Techniques: Develop skills in radiation monitoring techniques, including area monitoring, personnel monitoring, and environmental monitoring.
Radiation Safety Procedures: Understand and implement radiation safety procedures, including the use of protective equipment, decontamination practices, and emergency response protocols.
Radiation Shielding: Study principles of radiation shielding, including materials and design considerations, to minimize radiation exposure in controlled environments.
Health Physics: Gain insights into health physics, focusing on the biological effects of radiation, dose calculations, and radiation risk assessment.
Radiation Emergency Preparedness: Develop skills in radiation emergency preparedness and response, including the coordination of evacuation procedures and communication during emergencies.
Radiation Monitoring in Nuclear Facilities: Explore specialized techniques for radiation monitoring in nuclear power plants, research facilities, and other environments with radioactive materials.
Environmental Radiation Monitoring: Learn techniques for monitoring environmental radiation levels and assessing potential impacts on public health and safety.
Please refer to the school’s official website for the complete Program Course List.