How to Become a Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear engineers are creative, analytical individuals who develop and monitor nuclear energy and radiation in power plants and reactors. They are trained to utilize this knowledge in research that can lead to medical and engineering breakthroughs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Complete your high school education with an academic background in science subjects. Then seek an undergraduate degree in engineering. Select an engineering college which is licensed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
2. Choose subjects such as mechanics, thermo dynamics, computer programming, mathematics, chemistry and physics. Select a specialization in your junior year of school. Choose from reactor physics, quantum mechanics, fission reactions, thermal energy and radiation.
3. Contact the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to inquire about licensing requirements. These usually consist of an initial Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) and four years relevant work experience followed by the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam (PPE).
4. Pass the FE exam right after obtaining your bachelor's degree to start the licensing process. Once you clear the exam, you are designated as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or an Engineer Intern (EI).
5. Acquire the prerequisite work experience. Apply for a position at a nuclear facility, join a nuclear research team or work as an intern under experienced nuclear engineers. This experience can also help you obtain a full time job later on.
6. Take the PPE exam to obtain your license as a Professional Accredited Nuclear Engineer after you complete the four years of hands-on training. Opt for a master's degree later on to enhance your educational background.
7. Look for job openings in the newspaper and apply to companies, laboratories, factories or research programs that are directly or indirectly related to nuclear engineering. Stay up-to-date on new developments in the nuclear engineering field as some states require nuclear engineers to appear for a periodic exam to confirm their knowledge and skills.

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