RE: Associate Membership in AAHP was Re: Certification

["RAD CAPT JERRY A. THOMAS" <THOMAS@usuhsb.usuhs.mil>]

	With the inflation in grades and degree titles that has occurred
in our educational system over the past 30 years why shouldn't we do the
same with the meaning of CHP?  Isn't that what is being asked for when one
asks for a RSO certification.  Why shouldn't an RSO be a fully qualified HP
....which should include the certification examination.

	If an RSO really wants a board certification examination that is
specifically written for Radiation Safety...look into the American Board
of Science in Nuclear Medicine.  They have a sub-specialty examination
in Radiation Safety .... or at least they used to have such an exam.  I
don't think that the ABHP should prepare another examination and/or sub
speciality examination.  It becomes very confusing to the general public
if one says they are a CHP in Radiation Safety....what does that mean?
In my view it lessens the meaning and importance of the title CHP.

	Many institutions appear to have hired someone to be their RSO that
was less than fully qualified for the position.  IMHO all University, Large
research activity, government RSOs should be a CHP or at least board eligible.
Board eligible means that the person has applied for and been accepted to sit
for the ABHP certification examination.  Additionally, the Assistant RSO
should also be qualified by training ... not necessarily years of experience
to take the ABHP certification examination.  An Assistant RSO position should
be a "Mentorship" for junior HPs.

	Jerry Thomas
	thomas@usuhsb.usuhs.mil