ACADEMIC FRAMEWORK

These programs are open to international participants, and are largely funded by university, government, or private fellowships. Nuclear engineering programs in the United States form a critical component of our international engagement in civil nuclear energy. Historically, U.S. universities and colleges have provided students from many countries with a top-quality education, including the foundation to rise to positions of leadership. The role of U.S. universities and colleges continues and is expanding to meet the increasing global demand for nuclear energy human resource development.

There are over 25 universities who operate licensed research and education reactors, with power output of up to 10 MW. Research reactor applications include education, research, and isotope production. Several schools also operate particle accelerators for research purposes.

Collaboration between academia and industry is a key component of U.S. nuclear engineering education. Several major U.S. technology companies and utilities in the civil nuclear industry support university research and educational programs by providing expert lectures on industry-relevant topics, funding student fellowships, and access to research equipment.

Labor apprenticeship programs are available in the United States. Students can seek apprenticeships from the Nuclear Mechanic Apprenticeship program in six different categories: Electricians, pipefitters, millwrights, sheet metal workers, boilermakers, and ironworkers. The apprenticeships are aligned to the nuclear energy industry's required initial training program.

At the end of 2007, NEI, in cooperation with the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), established the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) to develop Associate's degree programs for individuals to fill maintenance, chemistry, radiation protection and non-licensed operator entry level positions.

Organized by the Nuclear Energy Institute - a policy organization of the nuclear energy and technologies industry - NUCP assesses the supply an demand for skilled nuclear power workers, provides a uniform curriculum that ensures that nuclear industry trainees consistently meet industry-wide learning objectives, and ensures that the process meets the needs of the entire civil nuclear industry. Graduates of NUCP schools that accept positions at related nuclear companies are generally exempted from portions of required initial training. NUCP programs are open to international students. A few NUCP certified programs:

Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE)

EPCE offers timely and relevant online energy programs that meet the emerging needs of the energy industry to include nuclear energy related courses.