At a hospital, nuclear facility, waste disposal site, or power plant, a health physics technician tests and monitors radiation levels. To accurately detect the presence of potentially harmful emissions, a professional uses sophisticated hand-held and laboratory testing equipment. Data is collected, organized, and forwarded to supervising health physicists in official reports. A health physics technician may also provide employee training to help employees understand the dangers of radiation exposure and what to do in an emergency.
The majority of health physics technicians work in labs and industries that deal with nuclear materials. Many technicians work full-time for nuclear power plants, but others are traveling inspectors for regional or national health and safety agencies. A technician may collect air, soil, or water samples in and around a facility to determine the presence of radiation. Some professionals are equipped with real-time meters that can detect and analyze specific types of radiation on the spot. In order to protect the technician and other workers, very strict protocols are usually in place regarding sample collection, handling, and storage.
Once the samples have been collected, the technician transports them to a lab where scientists will use computerized equipment to test them. The majority of modern health physics labs are equipped with cutting-edge equipment that can calculate extremely precise radiation levels. When test results show that acceptable levels have been reached, the technician documents, dates, and submits findings to his or her employer. If the risk of exposure is higher than it should be, he or she alerts supervisors and assists in containment efforts.
A health physics technician may also monitor the effects of radiation on patients and staff in a hospital or surgical center. Medical technicians are experts in the use of x-ray machines and other radiation-emitting diagnostic and therapeutic imaging machines. They monitor general environmental exposure levels on a regular basis and conduct body scans on employees to ensure that they are in good health. Technicians can also teach workers how to protect themselves and their patients by emphasizing the importance of proper safety precautions.
Depending on the region and industry, the requirements for becoming a health physics technician may differ. A bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, or biochemistry is required for most technicians. Some employers will hire college students in order to provide formal training in the field. In any setting, a new health physics technician spends several weeks learning tools and techniques while assisting other professionals. A technician can work independently in a nuclear power plant or a hospital after gaining experience.