AAHP Survey - Reply

["John E. Aperans" <JAPERANS@wsmr-emh81.army.mil>]

I have two questions:

First, before I go surfin' the net, does anyone know what the content
of      http://home.netscape.com/
as submitted by Matthew Caya is?  I ask because I must limit my 
net excursions to those which simulate official business.

Second, in regard to the string on CHP standards.

Les Slaback recommended that an ABHP candidate have a degree.  I
believe that some formal education in the sciences and math are
required to do our jobs effectively.  The question I have is what 
level of education will be required?

I have a B.S. and have passed the NRRPT.  I hope to one day earn
a Master's Degree.  Perhaps, then, if I work up enough nerve, I may 
even apply to take the ABHP exam.

BUT, if the requirement is that the candidate have a Ph.D., I
will have to decline.  Unfortunately, as one of the Army's enlisted
HP techs in the trenches, I don't have a lot of time to devote to
formal education.

With regard to the AAHP survey in the June 1995 HP Newsletter, I
believe that professional and knowledgeable HPs should comment on
proposed rules that may affect our lives and our work.  

Standards of Practice for Health Physics?  Are we speaking here
of professional (academic) standards, or ethics?  Regarding the
latter, may I, in all seriousness, interest you in the 12 points 
of the Boy Scout Law?  Begin with Trustworthy and expound on each 
in its turn (you may, depending on your personal philosophy, pass 
on Reverent).

My view is that ABHP certification is a mark of professionalism,
not one of elitism.  My hope is that a Masters with many years
of practical experience will count for something.  Either way,
I like to think that I am doing the best I can.


Standard Disclaimer:  These are my opinions alone, and do not reflect
the official views of the US Army or the US Government.

     ***************************************************
     *  JOHN E. APERANS, RRPT                          *
     *  Directorate for Applied Technology, Test and   *
     *                     Simulation (DATTS)          *
     *  ATTN: Health Physics                           *
     *  US Army White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002    *
     * FAX: (505) 678-7410  VOICE: (505) 678-2064      *
     * e-mail: japerans@wsmr-emh81.army.mil            *
     ***************************************************
     The chicken HAD to come first.  An egg would have been
     fried and eaten.