Health Physicist Responsibilities

---

Health physics is the process of radiation protection. This field of science helps to protect the environment and its people from potential radiation hazards. This process of radiation protection and safety is made possible through the initiatives of expert professionals known as health physicists. Health physicist responsibilities are carried out through radiation control programs involving identification, evaluation and control of health hazards. Such a science professional is an expert who makes safe use and application of ionizing radiation to control the radiation levels in compliance with state and federal regulations and licenses. He/she works at facilities where ionizing radiation are used or produced like medical bodies, laboratories, academic and research institutions, defense plants, nuclear power plants, regulatory agencies and manufacturing plants.

A health physicist must possess a gamut of knowledge and skills to apply in this field and make his/her profession both challenging and rewarding. This requires higher level of technical education, training and interest. To know more about this profession, you may read the sections of the article below, which will give you a detailed description of essential duties and other qualifications required of such a professional.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Health Physicist

• Protect people and environment from radiation exposure
• Ensure proper and safe working conditions for all
• Assess potential environmental impact and ensure that the facility complies with federal regulations
• Assist other professionals like engineers and scientists in designing facilities and new radiation-control programs
• Review and recommend radiation safety measures to facility, equipment and defensive designs
• Provide guidelines and regulations on suitable radiation control programs
• Help in the right selection, purchase and maintenance of radiation protection, laboratory, and detection equipment
• Prepare emergency plans with safety canons to minimize health physics problems and to assure quick remedy
• Conduct field drills for safety and control
• Review all radiological monitoring data
• Examine the laboratory results to ensure proper functioning of the reactor
• Assure safe use of radiation source at all levels
• Attain maximum benefit through appropriate application of ionizing radiation
• Ensure that the effects of radiation exposure are minimum
• Prepare and approve safety and work procedures that provide adequate radiation protection during facility operations
• Prepare written guidelines and modules on radiation control methods
• Recommend the management on new methods and equipment for use in radiation work and remedial measure for problems
• Use mathematical concepts to design varied principles and theories related to the subject matter
• Provide training programs for future health physicists
• Report on radiation safety and health developments to the management
• Attend training programs or scientific conferences, seminars, etc., to remain updated with new technologies, policies and standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of equipment used in health physics applications
• Knowledge and experience in radiation hazards and its impact on the environment and its people
• Ability to handle emergency situations and excellent problem solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in team including other science professionals
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects
• Ability to assess potential risks and recommend essential remedial measures
• Knowledge of technical and scientific aspects of radiation

Educational Qualifications and Experience

A health physicist must hold a bachelor's degree in health physics or related field (physics, chemistry, nuclear engineering, and environment science). Some positions and area of work may require a master's degree or doctoral degree in health physics or a related field. Obtaining health physicist certifications (approved by the American Board of Health Physics or the American Board of Industrial Hygiene) will prove to be quite beneficial with an equivalent combination of technical education and experience.

Earning Potential

The salary of a health physicist will vary according to their area of work. He/she may earn between $48,704 - $120,309 per year. Additionally, an employee may get a bonus based on performance or yearly allocation. The salary is also dependent on the applicant's educational background, skills, qualifications and total years of previous work experience. While on the other hand, geographical location, size and nature of work place also have an impact on the salary structure.

Working Environment

Health physicists work in an environment that is exposed to radiations. Thus, they need to take preventive measures while at work. They must use protective eye-glasses, lead aprons, gloves, etc. Health physicists work in an office environment, but may go out for field visits, experiments or attending meetings, conferences or seminars.

Career Prospect

Health physicists have good employment opportunities and relatively good earning potential. The number of applicants for this position is quite high this year compared to a couple of years back, according to a labor statistics survey. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that employment growth for health physicists will grow up to 16 percent by 2018. Nuclear power organizations, government agencies, educational institutes and health organizations are looking out for more health physicists to address their needs.

Health physics is a diversifying and one of the most interesting fields of science. Health physicist responsibilities allow him/her to assess and check the use of ionizing radiation to protect workers and the environment from potential health and fitness hazards.