How to Become a Nuclear Scientist

Nuclear scientists work with some of the most cutting-edge technology in the world; from nuclear submarines in the world’s most technologically advanced Navy, to developing cures to many medical conditions like blindness and cancer. They are paid well for their work, earning a median nationwide salary of $97,080 per year. Work very hard, be passionate, outclass others academically and you can become a nuclear scientist.

Instructions

1. Excel academically in high school mathematics and science by achieving ideally an A-average and at minimum a B-average. Join Advanced Placement classes and extra curricular clubs in physics, chemistry and calculus if possible. You should enjoy and do extremely well in these subjects, or nuclear science is not for you.

2. Strive to achieve a high overall GPA by excelling in other general education classes like English. Colleges will only accept you for their nuclear science programs with an outstanding academic record.

3. Research and choose a college that has an accredited physics or engineering program. Major in nuclear engineering. Major in physics or engineering if the college doesn’t have a nuclear science bachelor’s degree program.

4. Apply for scholarships and grants to fund your education, if necessary. Refer to either the U.S. Department of Energy or the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission websites to view available awards.

5. Decide which specialized field within nuclear science you’d like to focus on. Choose either nuclear power or nuclear medicine, as the post-graduate program you’ll complete will be different depending on which option you pick.

6. Research and apply for jobs. You can work as a Naval nuclear engineer designing, operating or teaching others how to operate nuclear power plants aboard submarines or aircraft carriers; work at a university teaching or doing research; work at a U.S. national lab conducting classified research for defense or space programs; work for utilities companies or their subcontractors designing or operating nuclear power plants; work for the government regulating radiation safety practices; work at a medical technology company designing radiation machines; or you can work at a hospital or cancer center using radiation machines to treat diseases.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008 Nuclear Engineers
• United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Grant Awards
• U.S. Department of Energy: Scholarships and Internships

Resources

• U.S. News and World Report: Best Engineering Schools Specialty Rankings: Nuclear