RE: AAHP survey (6/95 HPS newsletter)

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

I stand corrected on the number of programs (see below).  I propose that the
AAHP/ABHP look into the feasibility of establishing an approval process for HP
programs and requiring ABHP candidates have a degree from an approved program,
simialr to the requirements for medicine, engineering, or radiological
technology (ARRT) for that matter.  It would be my preference that a
nontraditional program should be included.  It is important to recognize that
health physics is a profession, not a trade (e.g. plumbing).  More general
knowledge is required to practice independently that a cookbook of skills used
to accomplish routine tasks.  If the AAHP leadership is listening, I would
personally be willing to work on such a project.

David Scherer
scherer@mirlink.wustl.edu  (soon to change to ??.uiuc.edu)
_______________________________________________________________________________
From: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu on Wed, Jun 7, 1995 7:58 AM
Subject: RE: AAHP survey (6/95 HPS newsletter)
To: Multiple recipients of list

In response to David Scherer's comment, namely " 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 Health Physics Education Reference Book (1995-96) recently compiled and 
edited by Wes Bolch lists 40 HP programs and degrees which include 4 
associate degree, 14 BS degree, 32 MS degree, and 20 PhD degree granting 
programs in the US.  Although some of the degree programs may not be truly 
"health physics" programs -- whatever that really includes, but I am sure 
that most of these programs do not feel that they are at maximum enrollment 
levels.  If David meant that there are not enough programs for non-
traditional students, like people who must keep working, he should not forget 
that Nationla Technical University (live and tape) and Georgia Tech (tape) 
offer video MS degree programs for non-traditional students.

I suspect that certification does not require a degree if we are assuming 
that certification means that one knows everything necessary to perform 
operational health physics tasks.  In addition in the current regulatory 
environment where "regulatory science" (not the scientific study of 
regulation) is more important than science, a degree in technical writing or 
public policy/communication might be a better option than a highly technical 
degree.  In that light, maybe anthropology is an excellent background for the 
HP.

Nolan E. Hertel
Health Physics Program
Georgia Tech