Nuclear Power School, Naval training facility in Goose Creek, United States
Nuclear Power School is a naval training center in Goose Creek, South Carolina, where future submarine and aircraft carrier operators learn nuclear physics, thermodynamics, and reactor technology. The curriculum prepares students for roles that require advanced technical skills in nuclear propulsion systems aboard U.S. Navy vessels.
Admiral Hyman G. Rickover established the facility in 1955 to train personnel for the new generation of nuclear-powered vessels. After operating in New London and Bainbridge, the school moved to its present location in Goose Creek in 1999.
The institution marks a significant advancement in military education by integrating women into nuclear naval operations, particularly following legislative changes in submarine service accessibility.
The six-month program demands substantial commitment from students, with around 40 to 45 hours of classroom instruction each week. An additional 10 to 35 hours of independent study per week is necessary, depending on individual progress and subject complexity.
Graduates receive 60 to 80 semester hours of college credit from the American Council of Education, provided they complete both Nuclear Field A School and the subsequent program. This recognition allows many graduates to pursue civilian academic degrees more quickly afterward.
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