Nuclear Technology
Associate Degree in Applied Science
10-624-1
Degree Completion Time: 4 Terms

2008-2009 Program Sheet
2007-2008 Registration Calendar
2008-2009 Registration Calendar
watch program video 

About the Career
Safety in today's healthcare, energy, manufacturing, defense, and pharmaceutical research fields depends on qualified experts to perform technical duties in areas using radioisotopes. These experts play a vital role in the health, safety, and well-being of their coworkers, patients, the public, and the environment. If you have a strong interest in science, thrive on precision, are attentive to details, have the ability to follow exact instructions, and are comfortable working with technology and people, becoming a nuclear technologist is an ideal way to maximize your talents.
The Nuclear Technology program classes are offered online. This means that the learning material comes to you, rather than you having to go to the material. Laboratory work is completed at a local laboratory facility or LTC.
If you're already employed in the field, you have the creative option of designing an associate degree that recognizes your prior learning experience, helps you meet current career challenges, and reach future career goals by completing and Individualized Technical Studies (ITS) associate degree in a variety of environmental fields.

Advanced Standing
Advanced standing is available for NRRPT and DOE RCT Core Certification and for graduates of the Navy Nuclear Power school and the Army Health Physics Specialty 322-N4. At least 25 percent of the required 67 credits must be taken at LTC.

Recognition
LTC is one of only a few colleges in America to offer a two-year associate degree Nuclear Technology program. The Health Physics Society recognizes LTC's program.

Career Outlook
There is a constant demand for trained nuclear technologists. Growing opportunities for employment in the medical and research fields provide lifetime career potential for our graduates. Great job opportunities exist throughout the United States.

“Our field is in dire need of qualified radiation safety personnel (both technician and professional level). This is evidenced by the numerous ads in newspapers, journals and the Internet.”
– Dave Kent, RRPT CHP Chair, LTC Health Physics Advisory Committee

Potential Positions
Graduates of LTC's Nuclear Technology program have a wide variety of career opportunities waiting for them in hospitals, universities, research labs, U.S. Department of Energy sites, radiopharmaceutical industries, nuclear power production facilities, waste disposal and consultation firms, and environmental restoration organizations.

Approximate Costs
•$97.05 per credit (resident)
•$594.25 per credit (out-of-state resident)
•Online class fee is $10 per credit
•Other fees vary by program (books, supplies, materials, tools, uniforms, health-related exams, etc)

FAQ
What are the approximate program costs?
See the LTC Program Costs Brochure.

Can I start a class at any time?
No. Classes start at various times throughout the year. Students then have 16 weeks to complete the classes. You need to register and enroll two weeks prior to the start date you select.

Is there an attendance policy for Internet classes?
Yes. Students are expected to maintain their schedule of study. Two postings each week to the instructor are required to maintain attendance. Students who are more than three weeks behind in any class work may be dropped per the college's attendance policy.

What kind of computer hardware and software will I need?
Operating System: Windows 3.1 or higher, MacOS 6.x or higher, or any version of UNIX/LINUX
Hardware: 8 MB RAM and at least 75 MHz processing
Browser: Netscape 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher
Internet Connection: 33.3 kps or higher

How are online classes designed?
The classes are designed to be self-paced, interactive and self-directed. This means you have 16 weeks to finish once you start (you may finish sooner). The class material will require you to read information and view materials from various websites, take practice quizzes, and have electronic discussions with the instructor and other students taking radiation safety studies.

How will I know what textbooks to get?
All the books shown on this list are in stock at the LTC Bookstore. If you would like to order any of them, call the LTC Bookstore, toll-free at 1.888.GO TO LTC (1.888.468.6582), Ext. 1153.

How will I take exams?
Many of the classes have electronic exams taken directly over the Internet. Others have “pencil and paper” exams for which you'll need to identify a Proctor. Exams are mailed to the Proctor, taken by you, and returned to LTC for grading. Some classes have assignments included in the Internet class materials that you must complete and email to the instructor.

How do I communicate with teachers and other students?
Discussion and communication will be facilitated using email, phone, fax chatboards or discussion board.

How is this learning experience different from traditional?
You set the schedule in which you learn. The material comes to you instead of you going to the material, but more important, it takes advantage of technology. You will be linked to the regulations and other related materials so you have the latest information at your fingertips. The other difference is that this technology-enhanced learning experience is active and not passive.
You will be assigned reading from the textbook where appropriate, asked to read information on other websites, but you will not just sit still and listen to someone talk.

Won't this be boring - me and my computer?
No. State-of-the-art, up-to-date information and better graphics than in the classroom are used. You and your computer will “study” the technical class work. All students will have access to a discussion board for class communication. Your assignments and outside class activities will involve websearch, library use and outside materials.

Can I continue my studies after an associate degree?
LTC's credits are transferable to many 4-year institutions ...check with the institution.

What's the starting monthly salary for an LTC Nuclear Technology program grad?
For the latest LTC graduate salary information available, click here.

Can I receive financial aid?
On average, more than 90 percent of LTC students who apply for financial aid receive some kind of assistance. In addition, thousands of scholarship dollars are awarded each year by the LTC Foundation, Inc. For more info, visit our financial aid page.

How do I apply for admission?
Request and complete a student application and mail to LTC at 1290 North Avenue, Cleveland, WI 53015 or print out the application. Or you can apply online.

Testimonials
“The need for qualified nuclear technologists is increasing. Many utilities will be losing a majority of their technicians in 5 to 10 years due to retirements and promotions. The DOE needs technicians for multiple-site decontamination efforts. Decommissioned nuclear plants need technicians for decontamination efforts. Hospitals, nuclear research universities, national laboratories, and industry consulting organizations will all need to draw from this same shrinking technician pool.”
–Dan Shannon, Radiological Engineer

Want more information?
•Submit your questions online.
•Email info@gotoltc.edu
•Call 1.888.GO TO LTC, Ext. 1109

CURRENT CLASS LISTING

Apply  |   Register for Class   |   All Programs   |  Financial Aid  |  Transfer Opportunities   |  High School Career Pathway