When dealing with radioactive substances, a health physicist is in charge of ensuring safety. Because these substances are naturally radioactive, health physicists play a critical role. They also look into the interactions between different types of matter and living organisms, as well as the effects of radioactivity. Certain college courses, as well as proper training, are required to become a health physicist.
A career as a health physicist entails a variety of tasks from various disciplines. As a result, anyone interested in becoming a health physicist must be well-versed in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, genetics, environmental science, biochemistry, physiology, and toxicology. Physical science education is a good starting point for a career as a health physicist. Some colleges offer health physics degrees, but a bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines listed above, particularly physics, is also a good starting point for this type of work.
Another path to becoming a health physicist is to complete a two-year associate’s degree program. Engineering, physics, medical physics, and radiation biology are examples of subjects covered in this type of program. Classroom learning is combined with real-world experience in such a program. Many universities have laboratories where students can get hands-on experience in these science jobs. Students could assist in environmental contamination research, radioactivity levels research, or the procedure and risks of administering x-rays research.
After completing the program and training, the student can work as a health physicist. The health physicist can become certified by either the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) or the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists to be recognized as a member of this group of scientists on a national level (NRRPT). Once a health physicist starts practicing, he or she must complete professional development training and further education, but the specific requirements vary depending on the type and location of the job.
Medical and other health-care jobs are available for health physicists. The physicist will work in a hospital, clinic, or medical center’s radiology or nuclear medicine department, diagnosing and treating patients with radiation sources. A health physicist can also purchase, manage, and protect radiology equipment at a reactor site. Because of their knowledge of radioactive materials, health physicists are in charge of ensuring workplace safety no matter where they work. A health physicist’s job offers constant variety due to his or her education and training, which qualifies him or her to perform a wide range of tasks.