New, Unique MiraCosta Program Previewed in Open House

MiraCosta College’s new Radiation Protection Technology Training Program is beginning this spring semester, and to preview the new program, the college will be hosting an open house on Thursday, January 17, 5-6 p.m. at MiraCosta College, Room Aztlan B, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside. 

The Radiation Protection Technology Training Program was developed through a partnership between MiraCosta and the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). MiraCosta, in conjunction with the University of Missouri-Columbia and Linn State Technical Colleges, was also chosen as one of seven community colleges nationwide to receive a U.S. Department of Labor “Center of Excellence for Radiation Protection Training and Education” grant.

“With the current national energy workforce reaching retirement age, there is a growing need for alternative energy workers,” says MiraCosta Math and Sciences Dean Ric Matthews. “The U.S. Department of Labor identified the energy/nuclear workforce to be one of the 10 most needed high technology/high wage jobs in the United States. This is a highly-regulated industry that requires a strong educational background and specialized skills, and there are no other programs like MiraCosta’s in Southern California.”

MiraCosta’s program will offer hands-on, industry-standard training that will provide students with a fundamental understanding of basic sciences and teach them about the regulations controlling the use of radioactive material, the safe handling and monitoring of materials, and the use of specialized equipment. Upon conclusion of the program, students will be prepared for careers as radiation protection technicians in the nuclear energy, clinical patient care and research fields. For additional information about the program or the open house, contact Instructor Eric Goldin at (760) 757-2121 ext. 1315 or ericgoldin@miracosta.edu.