Careers: Academia
Description
A health physics career in a college or university setting offers several options, from working in the radiation safety office to working your way to professor status while teaching classes.
A health physicist is a critical part of an academic organization, whether teaching undergraduate and graduate students about radiation or overseeing the safe use of radiation and radioactive materials throughout the university.
Requirements for the Following Positions in an Academic Setting1
- Professor of Health Physics - PhD in health physics or closely related field
- Radiation Safety Officer - Minimum BS in health physics, likely an MS at a larger university
- Technician - High school with some on-the-job training or an associate's or bachelor's degree at a larger university
Average Annual Salary2
Example Locations
- Large universities—nearly all use radioactive materials.
- Veterinary schools
- Some smaller, private schools
Contact the HPS Academic, Industrial, and Research Radiation Safety Section for more information about careers in education.
1This is an example only. Some organizations may require graduate degrees.
2Increases by $25,000 per year with certification by the American Board of Health Physics.