High School

Since the foundation of radiological technology lies in physical and mathematical principles, prospective technicians are advised to build strong backgrounds in these disciplines while in high school. English, computer science, chemistry, physics, and at least three years of mathematics—including one year each of algebra and plane geometry—are basic prerequisites.

Postsecondary Training

A number of programs are offered for industrial radiological technicians. They vary from eight-week courses to two-, three-, four-, or five-year programs. These programs may be called radiation and nuclear technology, physical radiologic technology, applied sciences, or nondestructive testing. Most programs begin with an introduction to the fundamentals of radiation, followed by courses in specialized areas of the profession, including radiation biology, radiation elements, and environmental radiation fundamentals.

Students also take supporting courses, such as physics, chemistry, technical report writing, mathematics, statistics, and electronics. When put into a well-organized curriculum, these courses give graduates a well-rounded view of the field and enable them to perform their functions as technicians in any specialty of the profession with a minimum of on-the-job training.

After completing a training program, students may graduate with a certificate, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree in radiation technology. Employers are generally satisfied with students who have graduated from a two-year program, but four-year college graduates are becoming increasingly desirable to employers.

Other Education or Training

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing and the American Nuclear Society offer continuing education classes, workshops, and webinars. Contact these organizations to learn more. 

 

Certification or Licensing

Certification or licensing is required for some industrial radiological technician jobs. The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) offers certification for three levels of radiographers. The ASNT also offers certification under its Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel program. Employees at nuclear facilities may be certified through their employers, who follow guidelines from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Other Requirements

Security clearances provided through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission are mandatory for both government and private industry employees engaged in jobs involving national security. Certain projects may necessitate military clearance with or without Nuclear Regulatory Commission clearance.

Industrial radiographers need experience operating radiation equipment to inspect objects and ensure that they do not have any flaws. Radiographers must be detail oriented, carry out their work with precision, and dedicate themselves to quality control. They should also be skilled at communicating their findings via written and oral presentations (that include charts and graphs) to other members of their industrial team.

The first measure of skill for a technician is laboratory technique, which involves following directions, operating familiar and unfamiliar equipment with finesse, and clearly communicating facts and observations associated with such operations. The technician must also be able to understand, as well as to prepare, a wide variety of charts and graphs. Since these preparations invariably involve mathematical calculations, competence in this area is also necessary.

Successful industrial radiological technicians must be cooperative and perform well intellectually and with their hands. They must have confidence in their knowledge and skill to routinely measure and manage potentially dangerous materials. Technicians must possess a high standard of precision in their work, and they must maintain their instruments in order to provide consistently accurate information.