Re: Non-CHPs in the health physics job market - Opportunitiesare present

["Glenn marshall" <gmarshall@duratekinc.com>]

Mitch, et al-



I've got to weigh in.  There are a number of schools that will award 50 or more credits for the credentials you cite: Navy nuke and NRRPT.  Add in other schooling that most of us have had over the years and that could increase to 70 credits or more.  So with a few easy CLEPs, a BS degree is less than 2 years away.  That was what I did, because I got tired of getting passed over-- or not even considered-- for jobs even though I had more theoretical and practical knowledge, better technical ability, and more experience some of the CHP's I knew.  One of the most knowledgeable CHPs I know personally got certified before the BS degree became a requirement.  Even so, I disagree with the suggestion that the requirement for a BS degree be dropped.  There is a growing need to distinguish those who have taken the initiative from those who have not.



If I was hiring an individual for a professional position I would be quite reluctant to take someone right out of college with no experience; such individuals should, I think, spend a couple of years in the field learning how to do surveys, collect air samples, and respond properly and with sanity when the whole world comes crashing down around them.  The AAHP would be making a huge mistake if it allowed 22 year-old kids with no experience at all to become certified; I doubt seriously they will do that or are even considering it.  The real knowledge comes from years of experience.  The degree itself provides only a small amount of practical knowledge but a lot of theoetical knowledge-- a formula that invariably leads to the creation of ever-increasing rules and runaway costs with no real benefit.  I would be more apt to hire someone without the degree but with a proven track record and the knowledge to tackle complicated problems.  



The original post was in regard to the lack of opportunity to gain professional-level experience before becoming certified.  I think there are plenty of opportunities; the trouble is, most involve a substantial reduction in take-home pay.  So there are dues to pay: thousands of dollars per year in lost overtime pay, in order to gain the experience necessary to be eligible for certification.  Part of the reason for lack of interest for entry-level professional jobs (an oxymoron, I believe) among non-CHP's lies there.  Before I finished my degree I worked in supervisory and professional positions for several years, then chose to go back to the technician level because I could no longer afford not to.  



Glenn







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