Careers: Government

Description

A health physics career within the state or federal government can vary significantly in focus. You could become a regulator, a regulations developer, a homeland security expert, an emergency response expert, an inspector, or even an advisor to the President.

A health physicist plays a critical role in the portion of the government dedicated to public health and safety. Interactions are typically on a much more global scale than across an organization or two.

Requirements for positions in a government setting¹

Because these positions are so varied and staff is needed at all levels (administration, inspection, standard setting, national laboratory researcher, etc.), the requirements vary. Generally, minimum qualifications would be a BS in health physics or a similar science with preference given to those with an MS and American Board of Health Physics certification.

Average Annual Salary²: $102,000 See the HPS Salary Survey

Example Agencies

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  
  • Intern Program
  • Co-Op Student Program
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Department of Homeland Security

Ask Cynthia G. Jones, PhD, Senior Technical Advisor for Nuclear Security at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, about a governmental career.

¹This is an example only. Some organizations may require graduate degrees.
²Increases by $27,000 per year with certification by the American Board of Health Physics.