NNPTC's mission is to train officer and enlisted students in science and engineering fundamental to the design, operation, and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plants.

These two schools were formerly independent entities run by separate commanding officers and structures.

NNPTC was originally created when the two schools were located at the former Naval Training Center Orlando (Florida).

The NNPTC's first commanding officer was Captain Steven G. Slaton (USN Ret), who was the commanding officer of Nuclear Field "A" School when NNPTC was created in 1993.

When NNPTC graduated its final class in Orlando, in December 1998, the organization moved to Naval Weapons Station Charleston in Goose Creek, South Carolina, which is a suburban community of Charleston, South Carolina.