Answer to Question #2250 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

I am a graduate student in industrial hygiene. I began taking radiation physics courses as electives. Now I have almost completed the health physics curriculum as well, so I am going to pursue an MS in both fields. Is it possible to find entry-level work where I may combine both disciplines? In what areas of the workplace may I be able to combine them? A professional goal is to achieve certification in both fields; however, both require time working in applied applications of the profession. Is it more reasonable to expect to gain experience in each field without gaining "synergistic" credit?

A

Not only do I think that it will be possible to find entry-level work where you combine both disciplines but it is clear to me that many employers would be enthusiastic to hire an individual who is capable of combining both disciplines. We have heard from members of our advisory committee on several occasions that individuals with broad backgrounds are of great interest. Your best bet is to attempt to find employment with a Department of Energy contractor who has responsibility for the operation of a national laboratory. Another promising employer may be a university health and safety group. I agree that you should seek professional certification in both disciplines as soon as possible to demonstrate applied competence to potential employers. Obviously obtaining the experience for one field or the other field is an easy task. It will be more difficult to find a situation in which your responsibilities are clearly spread between the two disciplines. However, I don't think it will be an impossibility. I cannot answer your question with any further affirmation of your approach without launching into speculation. The degree of synergism you achieve will be very situation dependent.

Richard R. Brey, PhD, CHP