RE: AAHP survey (6/95 HPS newsletter)

["David Scherer" <scherer@mirlink.wustl.edu>]

In defense of the ABHP policy, let me ask how many of the opponents feel that
anyone should be able to practive medicine, engineering, or law without a
degree by simply passing a test?  The same issues apply to health physics.  The
certification process should be the final check in a the learning/qualification
process.  If the candidates were better prepared, perhaps the pass rate would
be comparable to those in the other fields cited.

I agree with one commentor that it would be better to require a degree from an
approved health physics program (similar to the other professions), but there
are currently not enough programs.  The typical applicant will not have a
degree in anthropology, but a well-rounded applicant with a B.S. in
anthropology will have natural and physical science training, and several years
of experience in applied health physics.

David Scherer
mirlink.wustl.edu