Answer to Question #2627 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

If a child is not close to one of the schools which have a health physics course, what alternative physics courses could be majored in to enter the health physics field? Or what course other than physics?

A

As you probably already know there are a limited number of health physics programs in the United States. The number of high-quality programs is even smaller. The number of quality undergraduate programs in health physics is a small subsection of this last group. If you have a desire for your budding scholar to enter a university undergraduate program in health physics, the chances that such courses will be offered in a university or college near your home is probably small. There are clearly many valid reasons to want "kids" to stay home for a few more years. First, its hard to let them go. Second, many students are simply not mature enough for the freedom and responsibility required for success that accompanies university life. Third, there are always fiscal pressures that one may seek to avoid. So . . . what are your options should you desire to keep your "kids" at home for a few more years?

Most undergraduate health physics programs really don't start heavily in the technical areas until the junior year. The first two years are almost universally consumed with general education classes. So if a student really wants to enter into the profession of health physics but does not want to leave home yet, I would suggest starting a modified general-engineering curriculum at a community college. If the student completes the first two years of calculus, takes calculus-based physics courses, finishes general college chemistry, perhaps takes a semester of organic chemistry, and finishes a full year of biology, preferably with focus on human anatomy and physiology, the student will be in good shape. Obviously all of the other courses that make for a well-rounded and educated professional—including English classes (in particular those considering writing and speech), foreign languages, and the gambit of fine arts studies—would ideally also need to be accomplished. If these are completed at an accredited community college, and you have in advance verified credit articulation with the university program in question, the student should come out of the experience without any difficulty and ready to step into most undergraduate health physics programs as a junior. Although this does not solve the four-year problem it does push the inevitable off for two more years.

I would recommend speaking with the Health Physics Program director at your university of choice and developing a detailed program before you actually start out on this option. I know all of the program directors in the United States. I imagine that all of them would be willing to work with you on such a project—regardless of how busy they are at any particular moment. They are good folks.

Another reality about freshman is that they frequently change their mind about majors. A student with the solid academic program I outlined above will find it easy to enter just about any academic pursuit. Such effort is well received throughout academia. Often students who for one reason or another can't enter the university right out of high school will feel left out, or perhaps inferior to their high school peers who have the options to start out at a full university. I can understand this situation well. The curriculum outlined above is rigorous. They should not feel jaded about this option.

Richard R. Brey, PhD, CHP

Editor's Note: You might also want to read more about education in health physics by going to the Academic and Training page on the Health Physics Society Web site.