THE JOB

Among the scientists essential to the nuclear industry is the HEALTH PHYSICIST, who is responsible for the protection of persons and their environment from the damaging effects of ionizing radiation. 

While health physics is now one of the required phases in the training of industrial hygienists who concern themselves with industrial and environmental hazards of all kinds, the Health Physicist is concerned entirely with problems created by radiation. The term Health Physics, is sometimes referred to as, "Radiation Science and Protection" by those employed in the field. Most people are more familiar with the former usage. 

A Health Physicist works in three areas of activity: research, consulting, and education and training. They may specialize in only one area, but most often are involved in all three. Health Physicists may be employed in a reactor operation, an accelerator program, a state public health department, a hospital, or medical center. 

They may be involved with basic research in radiobiology, radiogeology, ecology, or shielding and critical assembly studies. In a nuclear plant, the Health Physicists devises and directs research, training, and monitoring programs to protect plant personnel from radiation hazards. 

Health Physicists in a public health department plan and conduct studies and investigations of radiological health hazards in industrial, medical, dental, and laboratory situations where radioactive materials or ionizing radiation is used. Within the area of jurisdiction they provide consultation and assistance to personnel who use or produce ionizing radiation. 

As research scientists, Health Physicists may study applied science and engineering programs, basic research, or anything in between. Radiation ecologists study the effects of radiation exposure on the environment, while other Health Physicists study internal dosage affects or radiation. New methods of waste disposal and soil seepage of radionuclides are also under study by engineers in health physics. 

All Health Physicists participate to some degree in the following duties: developing inspection standards, safe working methods, and decontamination procedures; assisting in designing and modifying health physics equipment and advising builders on the best facilities for radiation safety; developing standards of permissible concentration of radiation in a given area; and keeping accurate records of radiation hazards and reports of the program status.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Jobs for Health Physicists exist in research establishments (both government and private); in plants processing nuclear fuels; in firms manufacturing reactors; in those employing reactors to generate power; in public health services; military establishments, aerospace agencies; and in hospitals where radiation-emitting devices are used. 

Working conditions vary widely. Health Physicists associated with a public health agency may have a great deal of field work and public contact work and may have to travel extensively. At a uranium mill they may spend much of the time in remote areas, performing duties in a dusty atmosphere, while wearing protective clothing. Research work is generally conducted indoors, where temperatures are controlled, lighting is excellent, and safety is monitored carefully. Physical requirements are light, but the job usually requires the ability to do a good deal of walking.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK 

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group of medical scientists, which include Health Physicists. Estimated number of workers in 1990 2,100 Estimated number of workers in 2005 2,650 Projected Growth 1990-2005 26% 

Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,080 (These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) Health Physicists enjoy a favorable job market, but growth is slowing. These scientists are a small but essential part in the atomic energy field. 

Every large firm that uses some nuclear power needs radiation safety personnel. Jobs are becoming available for physicists with state and county public health departments as more equipment emitting radiation is installed and utilized. 

As educational institutions, medical centers, and manufacturing plants acquire more equipment using radiation, Health Physicists will be needed to see that hazards of overexposure to radiation are under control.

WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS 

Salaries are comparable to those for engineers and scientists, ranging from $28,000 to $45,000 a year for beginning jobs and from $35,000 to $82,000 for well-qualified physicists with experience. In large firms, promotion to supervisory jobs is possible. Senior management or research directing positions are examples of these jobs, and salaries are approximately $45,000 to $100,000 a year. 

Salaries may reach $110,000 or more for an outstanding Health Physicist with years of experience. Medical and life insurance, paid vacations, and retirement programs are customary fringe benefits in firms employing Health Physicists. The hours may vary from 37 to more than 50 per week depending on the needs of the employer.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING 

Those interested in becoming a Health Physicist should have capacity for analysis and other traits characteristic of a research scientist. The individual should be able to adjust well to changes and to incorporate new devices and methods into his or her work, since the development of safety procedures is steadily improved. They must also be able to express views well, both orally and in writing. Much of the work entails persuading management to take certain safety precautions and maintaining technical reports and directives. 

A Health Physicist is often asked to speak before groups and to contribute to publications. Health Physicists must be capable of planning and directing programs, be able to supervise activities, and must be able to make decisions regarding physical safety from radiation. Since most of this work is either government sponsored or supervised, a security clearance is usually necessary. Education for Health Physicists usually requires at least an A.B. or a B.S. degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, or related field. Most Health Physicists hold graduate degrees. Graduate work can sometimes be funded through government fellowships in selected institutions.

ADVANCEMENT 

Many firms and institutions hire only one Health Physicist who is responsible for the radiation protection of all employees. In these cases, they are promoted within the job and are usually hired at a high level. In large firms, there are possibilities of promotion to supervisory jobs or to positions directing research.

FINDING THE JOB 

Establishments that employ Health Physicists include U.S. Department of Energy facilities, nuclear power facilities, the Environmental Protection Agency, universities and other facilities that utilize or are involved with nuclear energy.

Information from: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/healthph.htm