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 What is Nuclear Power Technology?
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Vanessa Fritz Edna, TX Plant Operator Apprentice (NLO) South Texas Project AAS in Nuclear Power Technology Summer 2008 
Growing up with her father working in the nuclear industry in health physics gave Vanessa a first hand look at the industry. "I've known since I was 18 that I wanted to work in the nuclear power industry. Not for the money but for the stability," she states. After high school she earned some college credits but ended up working in the plastics industry. She found the Nuclear Power Technology program at Bismarck State College (BSC) while searching online. She mapped out the steps necessary to accomplish the degree and then started classes.While taking classes, Vanessa was working full time and raising two pre-teens. She found it challenging at times to balance school, work and her home life, but her children were supportive. "They knew it was only for a short period of time." Vanessa also recommends to new students, "Prepare your family ahead of time. Show them the coursework and let them know what you need to accomplish." "My father was a bit reserved about the program at first. Now, he has really come around and is raising awareness about the BSC program by sharing my success story at different plants across the country." According to Vanessa, her online learning experience was, in a word, "Awesome!" "I loved the block style courses that BSC offered. It allowed me to focus on one class at a time - 100%." When asked about tips for other online students, she recommends, "Be in touch with your instructor and make postings, even if you think they are foolish. Other students probably have the same questions." Vanessa also cannot thank one of her instructors, William Waddell, enough. "He was unbelievably helpful," she proclaims. "Even when I was in other instructors' classes, he would help me out. He also introduced me to former students who worked in the industry." Vanessa accomplished her goal of working in the nuclear industry by recently joining South Texas Project. In her new position, she points out, "It is very competitive to get into the apprenticeship program. After passing the aptitude test and getting hired, you still need excellent study habits to succeed like those I developed in the online classes." Vanessa is also excited to be able to join her local IBEW soon. "I want to vote and have my voice heard during contract negotiations." Vanessa excelled in the program and was awarded by BSC the 2008 Outstanding Student Award for the nuclear program. She was also on the President's Honor Roll and has been invited to join the Phi Theta Kappa, where she has been offered several scholarships to continue her education. "Right now I want to focus on my first year at South Texas Project, and then I would like to pursue my Bachelor's degree, definitely in an online program." Robin Barfield-McGinnis Power System Coordinator Georgia Power Atlanta, GA AAS in Nuclear Power Technology Fall 2008 
It takes a lot to try and see your future, but that is exactly what Robin did when she decided a degree in Nuclear Power Technology was for her. Having worked as an Engineering Specialist for Utility Support Systems and a Distribution Operator for Georgia Power, Robin was able to see how the industry was changing. She looked at the list of programs that were supported by Georgia Power's tuition reimbursement program and found BSC's online Nuclear Power Technology program.Robin had previously attended Southern Poly Tech but was unable to finish. "I couldn't afford to stop going to work just to take a class," she points out. By enrolling at BSC, she could tackle the schooling online on her own time. She also recalls that, "This was the first company that I worked for that offered tuition reimbursement. So, there was no reason not to go back to school." During her coursework, her biggest obstacle was storms. "I would be called out for ten days at a time where I had no access to computers and could not post for my classes. My teachers were very understanding. Just fantastic!" BSC's flexibility allowed her to step away from her schoolwork in urgent cases, focus on her job, and then resume class when everything was back to normal. As a new online student, there were many things to adjust to including carving out study time and discovering time management tools. Robin suggests that other students may want to, "Print out any course material, put it into a notebook, tab it, and take it with you. By doing this, I felt like I was accomplishing what I needed to when I wasn't near a computer." Robin recalls a time when her advisor helped resolve a situation when she was having trouble communicating with an instructor. "Don't feel like you can't call your advisor," Robin now advises fellow students. "They are there for you." Robin started the Bachelor's of Applied Science in Energy Management at BSC this past spring and is excited to continue her education. Karla Sahl Non-licensed Plant Operator Entergy Plymouth, MA AAS in Nuclear Power Technology July 2006 
Karla Sahl, a waste technician/custodian at Entergy's Pilgrim Nuclear Station in Massachusetts, earned her Associate in Applied Science from BSC in less than two years. Sahl now has the job she wanted in plant operations and works as a non-licensed plant operator. She continues to study online to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management through BSC, the only college in the United State offering the four-year degree.Sahl hoped to advance and was earning her fireman's license through Entergy, when an instructor told her about Entergy's affiliation with Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE), a national coalition of energy providers connected to workforce training institutions such as BSC. Sahl's persistence and commitment to her educational goal was recognized by CAEL during its recent annual conference in Philadelphia. She received the 2007 Learner of the Year by the Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Michael Lois Auxiliary Operator Trainee Point Beach Nuclear Manitowoc, WI NECE Nuclear Power Technology Student 
Start taking a college degree program with a full-time job? Will I have time to commit to courses? These were questions Michael Lois asked himself when trying to decide to take college courses for a new career. Then Lois found Bismarck State College's Nuclear Power Technology online degree program. "I wanted to go back to school, but did not want to travel daily to class, so I was looking for an accredited technical degree program online and came across Bismarck State College," said Lois.A prior lab technician for a commercial ice machine manufacturing company, Lois found that the courses worked well around his schedule. "I liked the convenience of being able to do all of your class work at home. I also liked how the instructors were always willing to get back to you promptly after emailing them questions. It was not easy for a 34 year old with several other commitments, but BSC made it worthwhile." Lois is completing the Associate of Applied Science degree this fall semester and has already been hired by Point Beach Nuclear in Wisconsin as an AOT (Auxiliary Operator Trainee). "I would not have been hired without the BSC credentials on my resume," he said. When asked on his recommendations for people considering a career in the energy industry Lois said, "I would say go for it because the need for energy and a well-trained workforce is not going away. Also, with the current condition of the economy the other great advantage to this industry is that there is not much of a chance that your job will be subsidized overseas. If a guy who has a full time job with a wife and four kids can get his degree than anybody can. You just have to be willing to put in the time to do the work." |
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