TVA and Chattanooga State Community College are collaborating to offer an engineering technology curriculum that prepares students for careers in the nuclear industry.

In consultation with TVA and using nuclear industry guidelines, Chattanooga State has developed an associate of applied science degree in radiation protection technology.  The collaboration ensures that the program addresses workforce needs of TVA and others in the nuclear power industry as well as employers in nuclear medicine. 

“Chattanooga State has a longstanding reputation for educational innovation and robust technology programs,” says Preston Swafford, TVA’s chief nuclear officer.  “With TVA’s direct involvement with the program’s development and implementation, Chattanooga State is aligning education with business expectations.  Students understand the connection between the classroom and the workforce.”

Tim McGhee, dean of Chattanooga State’s Engineering Technology Division, says people working in nuclear power plants or in nuclear medicine must be technically astute and knowledgeable about the nuclear industry.  “TVA’s guidance in the establishment of the radiation protection program allows the college to cultivate a relevant curriculum for our students.  We are able to graduate highly-skilled and well-educated individuals who are workforce ready,” McGhee says.

The college introduced the radiation technology program at the start of the 2008-2009 academic year, and more than 40 students enrolled for the spring 2009 semester.  The first class of 14 students is expected to graduate in May 2010.

In additional to the initial collaboration between TVA and Chattanooga State, an advisory council was launched to help maintain the program’s educational integrity.  This advisory council offers support by reviewing the educational direction of the program and makes recommendations for improvements and enhancements. 

Jim Barrott, vice president for technology at Chattanooga State, says the partnership is a model for other community colleges.  “The agreement between TVA and Chattanooga State is a progressive, proactive accomplishment that connects the world of education with the world or industry.  The ultimate benefit to this type of collaboration is that students are able to leave Chattanooga State prepared for work,” Barrott says. 

Ron Bruno, senior manager at TVA in the Nuclear Power Group, emphasizes that TVA and Chattanooga State want to expand the partnership.  “TVA offers other career opportunities that require specific training and education, and these careers are open to qualified applicants with two-year engineering technology degrees,” notes Bruno.  “The Chattanooga State program is a bridge between higher education and industry that benefits Chattanooga State, its students and TVA.”

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college and is operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System. Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in southeastern Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.

For more information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.