Certificates

Educational requirements for nuclear power plant employees vary based on role. Many positions, however, require some form of college education related to nuclear energy.

This nuclear power generation certificate teaches you the fundamentals of nuclear energy, engineering and nuclear power plant operation. This knowledge is a requirement for some nuclear power plant positions and is essential for building your career in nuclear energy over the long term. The certificate can also prepare you for graduate degree programs in nuclear engineering, which opens up more opportunities in the field.

How do I become a nuclear power reactor operator?

Becoming a nuclear power plant operator involves:

• Building work experience in a nuclear power plant.
• Completing nuclear power reactor operator training.
• Passing a series of tests to show competency, both with nuclear power in general and within a specific plant.
• Earning a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

A nuclear power generation certificate can set you apart from other candidates when seeking an operator position. The advanced knowledge you build in this program can also prepare you for the testing and certification process required of all reactor operators.

Who should consider earning a nuclear power generation certificate?

If you have a strong background in science and math as well as an interest in nuclear power generation, you are likely a good fit for this program. The top candidates will have an electrical or nuclear engineering degree, but these credentials are not required. Many professionals in nuclear power come from other scientific disciplines. It is common for students who have the needed math and science background to complete this certificate without previous nuclear power experience.

This certificate can be completed on its own for professional development or in tandem with an online master’s degree program. If you decide to pair this certificate with an engineering master’s degree you’ll be able to gain a broad skill set across disciplines and leverage engineering courses to complete both programs.

In this program, you’ll be exposed to real-world scenarios, case studies and situations that will help build your leadership and management skills in clinical research operations. You’ll learn to conduct research, manage data, develop familiarity with clinical regulations and deeply understand ethical concerns within health care settings. Upon completing this graduate certificate, you can move into many different research-intensive positions. You may decide to focus on:

• Conducting ethical and compliant research.
• Creating budgets and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Data management compliance for complete and accurate records.
• Day-to-day operations and staff management.
• Resolving operational issues such as corrective and preventive action plans (CAPA).

No matter your area of emphasis, you can grow and thrive on a challenging and rewarding career path. Many types of medical research focus on creating new and effective treatments, devices and technology for patient care. In this profession and through your research, you can help serve the greater good.

Who’s a good candidate for this certificate program?

This program can help you elevate your career if you’re not ready for a full master’s program but looking to transition into advanced roles or management within a clinical research setting. As an ideal candidate, you may have experience as a research associate or be looking to expand your knowledge of conducting clinical trials. You may also be interested in designing new treatment plans with doctors or improving patient care on a larger scale utilizing research methods. Whether you’re interested in advancing in your current role or want to make a career change, this graduate certificate can help you reach your goals.

Are you interested in learning more about this program and other graduate health programs offered by the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation? Register now for an upcoming live, virtual information session.

In this program, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, common treatment techniques, learning strategies and ways to collaborate with other professionals in the field. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice applying some of these techniques with an individual with autism.

Additional skills you’ll build that apply to working in the field or better supporting individuals with ASD in your personal life include:

• Applying the behaviorist perspective and relevant techniques.
• Interventions to support individuals with ASD, especially in school settings.
• Understanding the concerns of individuals with autism and their support systems.

Who can benefit from earning an autism certificate?

A broad range of people who care for and support the growth and development of autistic individuals may benefit from this program. The curriculum provides action-oriented strategies and interventions for family members and professionals, such as:

• Educators.
• Interventionists.
• Paraprofessionals.
• Psychologists.

If you’re interested in pursuing licenses, endorsements or certifications, you must contact your state education agency to determine if the program meets local requirements and fulfills your needs.

Can I become a certified autism specialist with this certificate?

No, this certificate won’t directly lead to a career as a certified autism specialist, board certified behavioral analyst (BCBA) or certified special education teacher. These professions have specific steps for certification beyond the credentials you’ll earn with this program.

Additionally, this certificate doesn’t prepare you to sit for the BCBA exam. If you’re interested in earning this certification, ASU Online’s Master of Arts in special education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis or graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis may be better options to support your career goals.