Radiation protection practitioner
Radiation protection practitioners give advice and guidance about the possible hazards of ionising radiation, such as x-rays, as well as radioactive materials and waste.
Practitioners use scientific techniques and equipment to measure and monitor radiation, assess risks and ensure the safety of the workplace, the general public and the environment.
Employers are legally required to comply with health and safety regulations on radiation and may appoint a radiation protection practitioner to advise them of any legal requirements. They also advise employers on radiation protection, design of facilities and projects and safety training.
Within the NHS and the nuclear industry, this role is usually known as health physicist but it can also be referred to as a radiation protection adviser.
Some practitioners may also advise on non-ionising radiation (e.g. radar, mobile phone masts, lasers and ultraviolet light).
Typical work activities include:
Relevant degree subjects include physical/mathematical/applied science, life and medical science, and engineering. In particular the following subjects may increase your chances:
For entry to a professional radiation protection role, a good honours degree is essential together with A-level maths and physics.
Direct entry without a degree, or with an HND only, is not possible, although entry into a technician-level position can sometimes lead to the post with a few years of further study and experience.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification in a related area can improve your prospects. The Society for Radiological Protection (SRP) recognises certain Masters level courses from the Universities of Birmingham and Surrey. See the SRP website for further details. Student bursary and scholarship schemes are available to support MSc study from the SRP. In addition, some employers will also provide sponsorship.
Although not essential, part-time or vacation work in a related field can help with contacts and improve your chances. For example, the University of Strathclyde stipulates previous work experience as one of the entrance requirements to its distance learning course in Professional Development in Radiation Protection. Some postgraduate courses, for example, the Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning course at the University of Birmingham, include a work-based project.
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most employers provide extensive on-the-job training to supplement formal education/qualifications and may also send staff on short courses, such as those run by the Health Protection Agency: Radiation Protection Division on specific aspects of radiation protection.
As a radiation protection practitioner, it is essential to keep up to date with professional developments and update your expertise by attending training courses and taking appropriate qualifications. The Society for Radiological Protection (SRP) operates a continuing professional development (CPD) scheme for radiation protection practitioners, which you may wish to access.
To receive radiation protection adviser (RPA) accreditation, you will need to gain a certificate of competence from an organisation recognised by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an assessing body for the certification of individual RPAs. Or you must hold a National or Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ) level 4 in Radiation Protection Practice issued within the last five years. You will normally also need to submit a portfolio evidencing your competence and expertise.
In addition to the competence assessment, RPAs usually have:
Most major employers have a good career structure and there are opportunities, particularly on the operational side, for early responsibility and promotion. Most of those working in operational radiation protection would aspire to gain a position as a radiation protection adviser (RPA).
A wider range of opportunities are possible for those who undertake a broad range of training and develop expertise in different aspects of radiation protection, e.g. non-ionising radiation. To advance your career it may be necessary to move from one employer to another. Promotion to a management position or to take on some general management responsibilities is more common in an industrial setting.
There are a number of professional bodies offering membership to radiation protection practitioners. These include:
Typical employers include:
Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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