Associate of Applied Science in Radiological Protection Technology
What is Radiological Protection Technology?
Fountainhead College of Technology has partnered with EnergX, a premier provider of radiological waste management and environmental services, to create the Radiological Protection Technology degree program in Knoxville, TN. Radiological Protection Technology is an area of study in the career field of radiation protection. Students graduate with an associate of applied science degree, and are prepared for entry level technical careers at commercial nuclear power plants or Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities.
Radiological Control Technicians (RCTs) are the nuclear industry’s skilled personnel that provide the guidance, support, technical expertise, and the radiological controls necessary for safe operation of nuclear facilities, and that ensure the safety of the worker, the public and the environment. RCT duties include monitoring the environment through water, soil and air sampling, 
evaluating technical data, operating and calibrating radiation detection and monitoring equipment, implementing work procedures, conducting radiological surveys, directing activities for radiological safety, and providing radiation protection training to plant personnel.
Graduates from the Radiological Protection Technology degree program receive the necessary career training to be employed as entry-level Radiological Control, Radiological Protection, or Health Physics Technicians.
Demand for Radiological Protection Technicians (RCTs)
There are currently 104 nuclear power reactors licensed to operate in the United States providing 20 percent of its electricity. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission anticipates constructing 37 new commercial nuclear power reactor units over the next several years. The sharp rise in license applications for nuclear reactor facilities represents the largest growth planning in nuclear energy seen in decades. The global energy crisis has placed new urgency for nuclear power generation to meet future energy needs and to modernize our nation's existing power plants.
In addition to the growing commercial nuclear power industry, the U.S. DOE and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) have numerous projects across the country that requires specialized training and skills in radiation protection. Environmental remediation, facility decommissioning and radioactive waste management projects are just a few examples of projects across the nuclear industry that requires skilled support. Virtually every job task across the nuclear industry that involves radiation will require RCT support.
The Radiological Protection Technology degree program prepares students for occupations as Nuclear Monitoring Technicians and related careers. For related occupational information, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET website.
SOC Codes (Standard Occupational Classification) related to Radiological Protection careers: 19-4051.02
Overview
The Associate of Applied Science in Radiological Protection Technology is a comprehensive technical career training program in radiation safety, contamination control, and emergency preparedness. It provides 64 semester credit hours of instruction over 60 weeks with hands-on training and practical exercises throughout the curriculum.
Graduates of Fountainhead's Radiological Protection Technology program (RadPro) are prepared with the academic and practical skills needed for entry level careers at commercial nuclear power plants or Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities. The program teaches students the fundamentals of radiation protection and safety, radiation detection and measurement, contamination control, and emergency preparedness, as well as advanced topics such as chemistry, technical writing, and nuclear power plant operation. Guidance for the program follows both DOE and commercial nuclear power training principles.
Job titles in this field include: Radiological Control Technicians (RCT), Radiological Protection Technicians (RPT) or Health Physics Technicians (HPT).
Outline
Typical Course Outline
Associate of Applied Science in Radiological Protection Technology
| BC110 | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| E103 | English Composition | 4 |
| M103 | College Mathematics | 4 |
| RP101 | Radiological Fundamentals I | 5 |
| Total Semester Hours 16 | ||
| C101 | Chemistry | 3 |
| RP102 | Radiological Fundamentals II | 4 |
| NU101 | Nuclear Industry Standards | 3 |
| NU102 | Nuclear Operations Fundamentals | 3 |
| E201 | Technical Writing & Communications | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours 16 | ||
| RP203 | Radiological Respiratory Protection | 3 |
| RX101 | Nuclear Power Plant I | 3 |
| RP103 | Radiation Detection Instrumentation | 5 |
| RP201 | Radiological Monitoring & Control | 5 |
| Total Semester Hours 16 | ||
| RP202 | Radiological Work Control | 4 |
| RP204 | Radiological Emergencies | 3 |
| P101 | Psychology | 4 |
| RX201 | Nuclear Power Plant II | 5 |
| Total Semester Hours 16 | ||
Totals:
Lecture: 44 Semester Credit Hours
Lab: 20 Semester Credit Hours
Needed to Graduate: 64 Semester Credit Hours
Objectives
The Radiological Protection Technology Degree Program is designed to provide instruction in general education subjects such as mathematics, English composition, and technical writing in conjunction with the fundamental concepts of radioactive decay, radiation interaction with matter, basic monitoring techniques, and radiological control methodologies. Following these fundamental applications, training is provided in the theory of radiation detection, instrumentation operation, and practical use of instrumentation. After these foundational principles are complete, training in nuclear power plant systems, components, and industry basics are provided with an emphasis in radiological safety and human performance expectations of the industry. This career training program is designed to prepare students for entry-level radiological protection positions in nuclear power plants, Department of Energy (DOE) sites, environmental remediation sites involving radiological contamination, and nuclear decommissioning sites.
Degree Award & Certifications
The Associate of Applied Science in Radiological Protection Technology degree will be conferred to graduates who successfully complete the academic requirements and fulfill financial obligations.
- Students who take an optional comprehensive Department of Energy RCT Core Exam, and meet certain academic requirements in accordance with the DOE guidelines, will receive the DOE RCT Certification which is accepted at most DOE sites.
- Students who successfully complete the optional 40-hour HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) course will receive the 40-hour HAZWOPER Certification. This is an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliant certification course.
Placement & Tuition
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Q. How much will this program cost me? A.
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Q. What are my financing options to pay for this program? A. In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible:
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Q. How long will it take me to complete this program? A. This program is designed to take 16 months to complete. |
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Q. What are the chances of getting a job when I graduate? A. Graduates of Fountainhead College's Radiological Protection program for 2009-2010 have not been determined. Fountainhead College actively pursues 100% placement of its graduates, however, employment is not guaranteed. |
* Based on average of 4 semesters
** Estimated Supply Cost
Comprehensive 
Cost & Expenditures Chart
- Changes to an Enrollment Agreement may require a $100 fee.
- Student receives a receipt for all funds paid to the college.
- Student receives invoices for all supply, textbook and fee charges.
- Student must purchase all required equipment and supplies from the College.
- Preexisting credit may be transferred which would change the total tuition.
- Online programs require the student to visit the campus at the end of each semester.
- Online students are not required to purchase a laptop from the College.
- Other than the laptop, online students pay the same tuition and fees as residential students.
Faculty
Get to know your Radiological Protection Instructors.
Gregg Jones
Department Head & Instructor: Radiological Protection Technology, EnergX RPT
Gregg JonesGregg Jones is the Department Head of the Radiological Protection Technology (RPT) Program at Fountainhead College of Technology. He is employed by EnergX, LLC, a premier provider of nuclear operations, waste management, and environmental services and provides critical mission support services to the Department of Energy and Department of Defense.
Mr. Jones has approximately 15 years of Operations and Instructional Technologist credentials across two DOE Nuclear Sites. He also has over 2 years of Emergency Preparedness Planning and Management credentials at the Pine Bluff Chemical Demilititarization Facility, (PBCDF), Pine Bluff Army Depot, AR. He has experience in nuclear operations, operations training, radiological controls, radiological theory, ALARA principles, radiological and chemical emergencies, conduct of operations, and regulatory compliance.
Some key assignments that Mr. Jones has undertaken include: K-Reactor Restart reactor building operator (DOE Savannah River Site); nuclear waste operator (DOE Savannah River Site); nuclear process instructor (DOE Savannah River Site); Senior Emergency Preparedness Planner (PBCDF, Pine Bluff Army Depot); technical training consultant for the Actinide Removal Process and the Modular Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction pilot facilities (DOE Savannah River Site); and Principle Training Specialist (at the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Project Richland, Washington).
In 2009, Mr. Jones led the initiation of the area’s only Radiological Protection Technology degree program at Fountainhead College. His assistance in the development of the program curriculum material, his oversight of the program, and continued guidance has helped launch and maintain a nationally accredited degree program that is designed to provide the nuclear industry with competent Radiological Control Technicians for both DOE and NRC facility assignments.
Courses Taught
- RP101 Radiological Fundamentals I
- RP102 Radiological Fundamentals II
- RP103 Radiation Detection Instrumentation
- C101 Chemistry
- NU101 Nuclear Industry Standards
- RX101 Nuclear Power Plant I
- RX201 Nuclear Power Plant II
- RP201 Radiological Monitoring & Control
- RP202 Radiological Work Control
- RP203 Radiological Respiratory Protection
- RP204 Radiological Emergencies
Education and Certifications
- Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology
- 32 hrs of Study in Human Performance Fundamentals
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification
- Instructional Technologist / Lead Instructor Certification
- Management Skills for New Supervisors Certification
Professional Associations
- East Tennessee Chapter of the Health Physics Society, Executive Board Councilperson
