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Health Physics
(Email Larry Bigham)
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:
- Health Physics Technician
View proposed
curriculum.
For more information about this program,
contact the Admissions
Office.
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