Careers

An advanced degree is required for most career paths in radiation protection, and earning your radiation health physics master's degree will put you in prime position to establish a foothold in the industry. The Health Physics Society projects a shortage of radiation safety professionals for radiation related organizations including federal, state and local environmental protection agencies; medical care facilities; nuclear reactor sites; national laboratories; and private consulting.

U.S. Department of Energy director Heather Bell is earning her health physics degree online to support her role in advising embassy leaders on nuclear security. Watch the video & read more »

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to radiation health physics. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.

Responsibilities for radiation health physicists

Laura Micewski was looking for fulfillment at work, and she wanted her GI Bill to help. Then she found Oregon State’s Radiation Health Physics program online. Read more »

• Ensure beneficial uses of radiation and radioactive materials
• Study the effects of radiation on the environment
• Measure radioactivity in water, soil and air
• Ensure the safe use of medical/dental diagnostic equipment
• Design radiation detection equipment
• Develop software to estimate radiation dose from source exposure
• Calculate safe, effective doses of radiation for cancer patients
• Provide radiation protection training