Excellent Pay, Opportunity and Mobility

Nuclear Power technicians are highly sought to work in nuclear power plants all across the U.S.  A career in the nuclear industry offers a highly desirable job, excellent pay, nationwide opportunities and upward mobility.

As the nation’s largest supplier of supplemental radiation protection technicians, BHI is always looking for smart, hard-working individuals who desire a career in radiation protection. We offer initial training that provides the basic skills to perform junior level radiation protection tasks. We also offer senior level training to those technicians ready to advance to a senior radiation protection technician position.

BHI is certified by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to administer written knowledge exams and task performance evaluations using EPRI Standardized Task Evaluations (STE). The STE process ensures technicians are trained and qualified using a systematic approach to training.

What do Radiation Protection Technicians Do?

Radiation Protection Technicians monitor levels of radiation to protect personnel in nuclear power facilities and the surrounding environment. They use radiation survey instruments to measure levels in and around facilities and they oversee work to ensure appropriate protective measures are in place.  Controlling radioactively contaminated materials, collecting air samples, operating survey instruments, taking corrective action and responding to unexpected conditions are all tasks an RP Tech performs.  This job is similar to a Safety Professional or an Industrial Hygienist.

Successful candidates are safety-conscious and able to follow instructions, enjoy using equipment and interpreting results, can be a role model and educator, and enjoy math and scientific information.  To complete the training, individuals should be motivated and have the discipline to self-study.  Previous experience in an industrial or utility setting is helpful, as is nuclear experience.

Technician Training Classes

BHI periodically conducts free training classes to bring new people into the industry to begin their career as a Radiation Protection (RP) Technician. These classes teach the fundamental science and how to assess radiological conditions to institute protective measures for radiation workers. A radiological simulator is used to enable trainees to learn proper survey techniques in an environment that does not pose radiation exposure. The nuclear industry has been impressed with the capability of students who complete our training.

To qualify to be considered to enter the one week RP Technician program, candidates must first complete a self-study course and pass a fundamentals exam with a minimum 80% score.  To help students achieve success, BHI offers a free online preparatory class RP Theory Fundamentals for Junior Task Qualifications with instructors who help prepare individuals for the exam.  The course meets 3 times a week for two weeks and uses the free Microsoft Teams app as the course platform.

E-learning courses are sent to participants for self-study. Participants are expected to self-study a designated section of the material prior to joining an instructor on-line for online quizzes and discussion focused on knowledge weaknesses.  After completion of the online class, students will be referred to proctors who can administer the Junior Fundamentals exam.

BHI’s Radiation Protection Theory Fundamentals for
Junior Task Qualifications
Online Course

 

Once a candidate has passed the Junior Fundamentals exam, they can be considered for acceptance to BHI’s one week RP Technician Program, offered at no cost across the country at various locations.  Students attending these classes are responsible for providing their own transportation, lodging, meals, and personal incidentals.

Priority is given based on academic background, work experience and other indicators of success.  Candidates who do well are safety-conscious and able to follow instructions, enjoy using equipment and interpreting results, can be a role model and educator, and enjoy math and scientific information. To complete the training, individuals should be motivated and have the discipline to self-study. Previous experience in an industrial or utility setting is helpful, as is nuclear experience.

Students who successfully complete the class are eligible for hire as a Junior RP Technician. Employment opportunities with BHI supporting spring and fall nuclear outages are typically an option for people who successfully complete this training, however, BHI does not guarantee employment to anyone who completes the training.  A successful career in the nuclear industry requires a background investigation and drug testing.

Although current classes are full, you can go on the waiting list by filling out the application at this link: RP Theory Course.

Continuing Training for Supplemental RP Technicians

Continuing training courses for supplemental RP technicians are now available on the National Academy for Nuclear Training eLearning (NANTeL) website. Technicians must complete continuing training to maintain their qualifications.  To complete continuing training, log on to the NANTeL website and click on the “My Training” icon.  Click on the course titled “Supplemental RP Technician Continuing Training”  The year when the course must be completed is included in the title.  If the course that you need is not listed, notify a NANTeL Administrator to have the course assigned to you.

Continuing training courses generally take one to three hours to complete.  NANTeL allows you to exit the course at any time and then resume the course later from the point of exit. A proctor is not required.

Nuclear Industry Standard Process (NISP) Documents

NISPs describe the tasks that are performed by supplemental RP technicians and provides instructions to perform those tasks. The BHI training program teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to perform these tasks in compliance with the instructions. The NISPs are provided below.

Radiological Fundamentals and Standard Task Evaluations

These materials provide a foundation in the basics of radiation protection.