National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists

NRRPT Member Survey

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) has begun an initiative to place the nuclear industry in a position to be stronger and more competitive in the future; this initiative is called RP2020. One sub-initiative of RP2020 is staffing; meaning are WE going to have the numbers of technicians required to operate nuclear power plants to the year 2020 and beyond. Furthermore, if our technician ranks are thinning (and they are), what can be done now to reverse this trend? This questionnaire is designed to start the process of determining where our next generation of RP technicians is going to come from. With your help, we can begin the process now before our shortage becomes a crisis. It is no secret that the average age of technicians is on the order of 48 years old and more workers are getting out of the business than in. We appreciate your time and effort by completing this questionnaire and providing comments that will assist the future of our industry with the RP2020 staffing initiative.

1. What got you into the Radiation Protection Field?
One of my relatives was either in RP or knew of RP
A friend was either in RP or knew of RP
A High School Counselor
A College counselor or course
Cross-over from other nuclear discipline(decon, security, chemistry, etc.)
Other, please elaborate below

Other reason

2. How did you get into the nuclear field?
I received a degree then began work
I worked an outage
I went from the Navy into the industrial RP field
Other, please elaborate below

Other reason

3. When do you plan on leaving the field?
Between now and 5 years
Between 5 and 10 years
Between 10 and 15 years
Greater than 15 years

4. What is most likely the reason you will leave the nuclear field?
Too much hassle for the money
Cannot make enough money
Getting too old for the type work involved
Cant spend enough time with the family
No advancement opportunities
Retirement
Other, please elaborate below

Other reason for leaving

5. What would it take for you to stay in the industry?
More money or recognition
Less hours
More advancement opportunity (if you select this, please answer 4a below)

5a. what sort of opportunities are you seeking?
A degree
A professional/staff position
An RPM type position
Other, please specify below

Other opportunity

6. What are your current hours and salary (without benefits)?

7. Do you think you are fairly compensated compared to other industries?
No, other industries working the same hours are making more than I am
Yes, my hours and wages are commensurate with the job I do

8. Is the culture conducive to staying in the business?
No, the industry is on its way out
No, RP staffs are being cut down making it difficult to keep a job
Yes, the industry is growing
Yes, the work and money is good so I will stay until I retire

9. If you have encouraged your children, siblings, relatives to enter the nuclear industry, why (choose all that apply)?
This is a good business and a good living can be made
The work is interesting
The work is cutting edge and keeps your mind working
The nuclear power industry is growing and will need young talent
Other, elaborate below

Other encouragement

10. If you have discouraged, why?
This is not a good industry and I would not recommend to my children
The hours are not worth the pay
No room for advancement
Other, please elaborate below

Other discouragement:

11. Are there upward opportunities available to you?
Yes
No

Please elaborate on the above response:

12. Are you NRRPT?
Yes
No
No, but am thinking about taking the test
No, I dont have the qualifications yet

13. My current employment stature is (check all that apply):
Union
Non-union
Contractor
House
DOE site
Nuclear Power
Hospital/Accelerator
Unemployed or between outages
Other, please elaborate below

Other employment stature

15. Where will your replacement come from?

16. In your experience, where to the best entry-level RPTs come from?

17. If your present employer has a grow-your-own RPT program, what are its key components, strengths and weaknesses?

Any comments on this issue you would like to make?