Nuclear technology programs prepare people to help nuclear engineers and others who work with radiation. Students learn nuclear science and safety. They also learn how to handle and dispose of nuclear waste.

There are more than 100 nuclear power plants in the U.S. They account for about 15 percent of the electricity we use. And despite what you may see on "The Simpsons," their operators do not spend most of their time eating donuts and dozing.

In fact, to be a reactor operator, you need to get a lot of training and experience, and then pass the exam given by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. One way to start is by studying nuclear technology through a two-year program in this subject. You graduate with an associate degree.

The program begins with a good background in physical science. You need to know about the nuclear processes that are going on in a reactor. You also need to understand the principles at work in the shielding, the cooling mechanisms, and the steam generation equipment. You learn about the different kinds of radiation and how to protect against them. You study the instruments that detect heat, pressure, radiation, and other indications of the reactor's health. Eventually you study the actual controls. You are likely to get some experience operating a simulator. The program may even include supervised work experience at a nuclear power plant.

Some graduates of these programs go into nuclear research as technicians; for example, they may take measurements during experiments. Some work with engineers. They may help develop specifications for equipment, based on an engineering design. The number of jobs opening in this whole field is expected to be much greater than the number of qualified graduates, so this is a field with a lot of opportunity.