Answer to Question #125 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

Is there any advantage to getting an MS in health physics from a physics department instead of radiological engineering from a nuclear engineering department?

A

To be honest with you, there are a lot of ways to get "into" health physics and, to some extent, the route is less important than the end result. What I mean by that is that, in my experience, most employers will look to see what sort of credentials (education, experience, recommendations) you have to determine whether or not to interview you, but they'll make any final decisions based on your interview as much as anything else. From that perspective, whether you receive a degree from a physics, nuclear engineering, or public health department really doesn't matter. In addition, if you have hands-on military experience in HP (which I am assuming, based on your email address), that should count for more than what department you receive a degree through. If I may, I'd like to use myself as a case in point. I spent eight years in the Navy's nuclear power program. After leaving the Navy, and before I completed my undergraduate degree, I started working for the state of Ohio as a junior HP. I completed a degree in geology and, subsequently, received my master's in geology. Now I'm completing my PhD in environmental science, as possible, around my work schedule.

The bottom line is that if you have experience, many different degrees will help to further your career in health physics. I would argue that it is beneficial to obtain a degree in a field other than health physics (again, if you already have some experience) because that gives you more tools to bring to bear on a problem and makes you more versatile. However, if you go this route, you really do need to have enough relevant experience (or some sort of certification, or both) to compensate for the lack of formal educational qualifications. I hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Andrew Karam, CHP
University of Rochester