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Answer to Question #1385 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Safety Careers — Radiation Safety Officers (RSOs)

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q
I need to complete a 40-hour RSO training course. Any suggestions?
A

The state or federal regulatory agencies or perhaps upper management of the organization where you are working or wish to work normally set radiation safety officer (RSO) training requirements. Due to the wide variety of radiation applications though, the training available is very diverse, from very specific applications like portable gauges to broad licensees. To my knowledge, there is no body that certifies RSO training, so what you need to do is look at what training is best suited for your needs and will fit in your budget. Without actually taking each course, I cannot recommend one training over another. What I would suggest in looking at each program is to review the instructor qualifications and ask what handouts and printed material you will be given. Also, ask for a list of former students and contact one or two and see how that program fit their needs. Often state agencies will provide a list of acceptable training providers, but they are careful not to suggest one over another. What they may do though is say if your choice of training will satisfy their requirements. The following is a list of RSO training courses that I know about and the contact information for them. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but should get you at least started. I apologize in advance if I have missed anyone. RSO training in alphabetical order:


Applied Health Physics, Inc
2986 Industrial Boulevard
Bethel Park, PA 15102
Phone: 412-835-9555 Toll Free: 800-332-6648
Email: ahp.inc@adelphia.net

CSI-Radiation Safety Academy
481 N. Frederick Ave, Ste. 302
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone: 301-990-6006

Nevada Technical Associates, Inc.
PO Box 90748
Henderson, NV 89009
Phone: 702-564-2798 or if busy call 702-558-7671
Email: roberth@ntanet.net

Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Professional Training Programs
PO Box 117, MS-11
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117
Phone: 865-576-3576

Radiation Safety Associates, Inc.
19 Pendleton Drive
PO Box 107 Hebron, CT 06248
Phone: 860-228-0487

Reed College Reactor Facility
Stephen G. Frantz
3203 Southeast Woodstock Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202-8199
Phone: 503-777-7222
Email: reactor@reed.edu

Technical Management Services, Inc.
PO Box 226
New Hartford, CT 06057
Phone: 860-738-2440
Email: tmsinc@earthlink.net

A list of commercial training companies can be found at the Radiation and Health Physics Web site and more radiation safety resources (including this list) can be found at the Radiation Information Network. The Health Physics Society (HPS) also has a list of services provided by our Affiliates Members that includes a section on training. A benefit to being in the HPS is being able to belong to one of the technical sections. There is one for RSOs and it could provide a valuable resource for you. For more information, see the RSO Section Web site.

Bruce Busby, RSO
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Answer posted on 14 November 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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