Answer to Question #1705 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

1. At least a BS from an accredited university in physical science, engineering, mathematics, or in biological science with a minor in physical science, engineering, or mathematics. As an alternate the applicant can submit evidence of 20 semester hours of course work in physical science, engineering, or mathematics at an accredited college or university. (a) Evidence of this academic preparation is considered to be an original transcript from the university or college.
    
2. At least six years of responsible professional-level experience in health physics with at least three of the six years in applied health physics. With respect to Part II of the examination, this experience must document that the individual has been required to exercise judgement in various subareas of the discipline.
    
3. Reference statements from the applicant's supervisor and, if applying for Part II, at least two qualified individuals (one of whom is a CHP) evaluating the applicant's qualifications in health physics.
    
4. A written report is required for those applying for Part II that demonstrates professional Health Physics effort.

This outline is apparently quite brief and may be slightly ambiguous if one is not familiar with the requirements already. The official requirements are posted on the ABHP website. Please note, I in no way represent the ABHP as an individual with executive authority, nor does the outline I have provided above represent anything except my own summary of the ABHP requirements. Ultimately, any official and binding interpretations about the policies of the ABHP or the American Academy of Health Physics can only be provided by those organizations and their appropriate executive officers.

Your unfortunate job search experiences to date may be related to many different factors, including the exact expertise sought after by potential employers—as you have mentioned—and regional demand. The national availability of entry-level jobs is quite good. The data generated last year from a survey conducted by the Health Physics Society (HPS) Academic Education Committee indicates that the demand/supply ratio nationally is around 1.6. This means 1.6 jobs for every 1 known applicant. Demand, however, is quite regionalized.  Another recent study conducted by Nuclear Energy Institute demonstrates an even larger demand.

There are several in the HPS who, based upon anecdotal information, have exclaimed that the demand is even much higher than we have indicated. My suspicion is that these folks are observing very intense regional demand. As an example, the University of California Systems have reportedly conducted a very large and long search for applicants without much success. I think this information would lead us to reject your wife's hypothesis. Unfortunately, to take advantage of job opportunities nationally, you may have to move to another location. There are several places where one might find job postings including: The HPS Newsletter—available to HPS members—you can join on the HPS website. There is also a job listing on the Members Only section of the HPS website. Good luck finding the job you desire.

Richard R. Brey, PhD, CHP