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Health Physicist

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.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Health Physics Society
1313 Dolly Madison Blvd., Suite 402
McLean, VA 22101 
(703) 790-1745


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Nuclear Engineers                         No. 367
Nuclear Technicians & Technologists       No. 379


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Medical Physicist(profess. & kin)           079.021-014

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Medical Scientists                       243110


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department, 
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, 
         (916) 262-2162.