Health
Physics
(Email
David Franklin)
An Introduction
to Health Physics and why this program is important
to you
What Health Physics is…
Health Physics is the profession devoted
to the protection of humans and their environment from
potential radiation hazards, while at the same time making
it possible for our advancing civilization to enjoy all
of the benefits resulting from uses of the atom.
Radiation control in its professional aspects incorporates
an understanding of many disciplines. It has common scientific
interests with many areas of specialization: biophysics,
physics, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, genetics,
ecology, nuclear engineering, metallurgy, medicine, physiology
and toxicology.
Other aspects of the profession include a working knowledge
of economics, labor relations, public relations, teaching,
philosophy and administration. The wide spectrum of knowledge
required of the Health Physicist makes the profession
both challenging and rewarding.
Where Health Physicists Work…
Health Physicists are employed by federal
agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and
the Department of Energy, state agencies such as health
departments, environmental control agencies and universities,
private universities, hospitals and medication centers
and various industrial facilities including nuclear power
plants.
Some Health Physicists have consulting firms, which provide
expertise for medical and/or industrial installations,
which do not employ a full-time Health Physicist.
What Health Physicists Do…
Health Physicists are concerned with many
areas of activity such as research, operations, education
and government regulation enforcement. Some Health Physicists
specialize in only one of these areas. However, most
Health Physicists find themselves engaged in all four.
In research, Health Physicists are concerned with the
determination of basic principles of the interaction
of radiation environments, and the effect of radiation
and radioactivity on life processes both on earth and
in space. This information is utilized in many varied
applications ranging from the design of radiation detection
instrumentation to the establishment of radiation protection
standards.
Operational Health Physicists draw upon their wide technical
knowledge and varied experience to assist and advise
management on methods on methods and equipment to be
used during any radiation work. The Health Physicist
assists engineers and scientists in designing facilities
and establishes new radiation control programs for them.
When a radiation emergency arises, the Health Physicist
is the key consultant and often is the individual in
full control of the area involved.
Health Physicists concerned with education provide educational
programs for future Health Physicists. Also, the instruction
radiation workers and the general public on the hazards
associated with nuclear research and nuclear applications.
Their goal is to make these hazards understood in perspective
with other hazards of modern society.
Health Physicists involved in enforcement must have knowledge
and experience concerning all types of radiation hazards
in order to establish guidelines for adequate radiation
control. These guidelines must provide the greatest benefit
to the populace with the least amount of radiation exposure.
What The Professional Position Is…
Health Physicists are associated with a
wide variety of professions. They act as consultants
to physicists, biophysicists, chemists, biochemists,
biologists, engineers, ecologists, geneticists, and physicians.
In the designing of any installation that will use ionizing
radiation, the Health Physicist plays a vital role in
determining requirements for protection of all living
organisms subject to potential radiation hazards. This
must be accomplished in a manner that is compatible with
advantageous use of the facility.
The rapid growth of Health Physicists after World War
II brought about the establishment of the Health Physics
Society in 1956.
The objects of the Society are:
· To aid work in the Health Physics field;
· To improve dissemination of information to individuals
in the profession and related fields
· To improve public understanding of the problems
and needs which exist in matters of radiation protection
and to promote the profession of Health Physics.
In 1958 an American Board of Health Physics was established
to develop standards and procedures to examine candidates
and to issue written proof of certification to individuals
who have attained a high level of professional competence
n Health Physics. The Board operates in a fashion similar
to the many other professional specialty Boards.
What Health Physicists' Training Is…
Since Health Physicists occupy a responsible
technical position in research and industry, they are
required to have a board background of education and
experience. A basic education in the physical sciences
is necessary but in addition they must have training
in other areas.
Challenging research problems await the Health Physicist.
In searching for the answer to a question such as, "What
is a permissible dose of radiation and how can it be
measured reliably?" the Health Physicists must be
familiar with such biological subjects as radiation biology,
physiology, biochemistry and genetics and must also have
a working knowledge of radiation dosimetry.
Knowledge of sanitary engineering is necessary in dealing
with the safe handling and disposal of radioactive wastes.
Knowledge of air and water sampling techniques and methods
of analysis are essential in detecting and determining
the concentrations of radioisotopes in air and water.
Training in electronics is required for operational understanding
and use of radiation detection instruments. Familiarity
with nuclear medicine and X-ray procedures is essential
for the Medical Center Health Physicist and for governmental
regulatory work. Specialization in any one of a given
number of disciplines may be essential to study a pertinent
radiation research problem.
Academic programs in Health Physics, leading toward baccalaureate
and advanced degrees are now offered in several American
universities. These programs are designed so that an
individual may obtain the necessary training to become
competent in the field of applied Health Physics or fundamental
research. These programs allow specialization in a number
of areas of emphasis that include nuclear engineering,
physics, biophysics, medical physics and radiation biology.
What Health Physicists' Income Is…
The Health Physicists' income depends (to
a considerable degree) upon training, breadth of background,
experience and geographical location of employment. The
field of employment is also a contributing factor. With
this in mind, Health Physicists' salaries may range from
$24,000 to more than $50,000 per year. The higher salaries
are normally received by Health Physicists with the most
training and significant experience. Health Physicists
in positions which carry research and/or management responsibilities
can normally expect to receive a higher annual salary
than those individuals in non-research or non-management
positions. There are also opportunities for the Health
Physicist to add to his or her annual salary by participating
in consulting and teaching activities.
This program is designed for the student who does not
intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.
The credential options
available for this program include: (RTF format)
- Degree: Associate in Applied Science
- Health Physics
- Certificates:
- Radiation Control Technician
View proposed
curriculum.
Visit the
Health Physics Society website for more information.
For more information about this program,
contact the Admissions
Office. |
