Health Physicist - Need just a B.Sc in Health Phys?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the qualifications needed to work as a health physicist in a power plant, specifically focusing on the necessity of a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Physics and the relevance of experience. Participants explore the current job market and the competitiveness of applicants with advanced degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the typical educational requirements for health physicists in power plants, noting their dual honors in biology and physics.
  • Another participant asks for the country of the original poster to provide context.
  • A participant shares that historically, a B.Sc was sufficient for employment in the field, citing a friend's experience from 20 years ago, but suggests that current market conditions may favor candidates with master's degrees.
  • There is a question regarding the equivalency of engineering degrees to physics degrees in the context of health physics roles, particularly concerning the level of physics and math training received.
  • A participant mentions the concept of "Industrial Hygiene" in relation to the discussion, suggesting a potential overlap in fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the current requirements for health physicist positions, with some suggesting that a B.Sc may no longer be sufficient due to increased competition from applicants with higher degrees. The equivalency of engineering and physics degrees also appears to be a point of contention.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying experiences and perceptions regarding job market trends and educational requirements, indicating a lack of consensus on the current state of qualifications for health physicists.

DatsRadBro
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Hi everyone,

I am looking to work in a powerplant as a health physicist. I have been looking at requirements and they seem to be typically just a B.Sc in Health Phys + experience. Does anyone know if this is often what is needed? I am doing a dual hons in biology and physics and I want to adequately prepare for this career.

Thanks everyone!
 
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Do you want to tell us what country you are in?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Do you want to tell us what country you are in?

Ontario, Canada
 
That was the case about 20 years ago. A friend of mine was hired with a BSc into Pickering. I'm pretty sure that he did a co-op placement which led to the job.

These days, there may be a bit of buyer's market effect, where although all you technically need to get such a position is a BSc, there may be enough people applying with master's degrees that you need one to be competitive.
 
Does anyone have experience with powerplant physics? Also, I noticed a lot of physics jobs are available to engineers. How is this so? I understand EngPhys but all others do not take the same level of physics and math that I do? How is an engineering degree equivalent to a physics degree as a health physicist? Really only dosimetry seems to specify just physics.

Perhaps they say that so those with industry experience with phys can apply?
 
This topic as being discussed makes me think of "Industrial Hygiene".
 

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