Health Physics Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of advancing healthcare and medical technology, the importance of Health Physics Technicians is greater than ever.

As we continue to harness the power of radiation for medical and industrial applications, the need for skilled professionals who can manage, monitor, and protect our health from these radiological sources grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a Health Physics Technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nature of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the complex field of health physics,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Health Physics Technician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Health Physics Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Health Physics Technicians are responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of facilities and operations involving radioactive materials.

They use their specialized knowledge to monitor radiation levels, protect personnel, and manage potential hazards.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and assessing radiation levels in work environments
• Collecting and analyzing samples of air, soil, water, and materials for radioactive contamination
• Implementing and maintaining safety protocols to ensure regulatory compliance
• Using and maintaining radiation detection instruments and equipment
• Implementing decontamination procedures when necessary
• Educating and training personnel on radiation safety procedures
• Preparing and maintaining records of radiation exposure for personnel
• Responding to and managing situations involving radiation spills or emergencies
• Conducting periodic inspections and audits to ensure adherence to safety standards
• Participating in the planning and implementation of radioactive waste management procedures

 

Health Physics Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Health Physics Technician to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for conducting radiation safety inspections, monitoring and ensuring radiation safety guidelines are followed, and providing technical support in the implementation of radiation safety procedures.

Our ideal candidate has strong technical abilities, a deep understanding of radiation safety measures and excellent communication skills to educate employees on radiation safety protocols.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform routine radiation safety inspections and radiation surveys
• Ensure compliance with state and federal radiation safety regulations
• Assist in the development and implementation of radiation safety procedures
• Collect and analyze radiation data
• Maintain, calibrate, and repair radiation monitoring equipment
• Provide training to staff on radiation safety procedures
• Prepare and maintain records and reports related to radiation safety
• Respond to and manage radiation emergencies
• Conduct radioactive waste management activities

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Health Physics Technician or similar role
• Strong knowledge of radiation safety principles and practices
• Experience with radiation detection instruments and their calibration
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to provide training to diverse audiences
• Associate degree or higher in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field
• Certification as a Health Physics Technician is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Physics Technician
• Work Environment: This role typically works in a laboratory or industrial setting. Some field work may be required for radiation surveys.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Radiation Safety Officer or Health Physics Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Health Physics Technician Do?

Health Physics Technicians, also known as Radiation Protection Technicians, work within the healthcare or industrial sectors where they monitor and control radiation exposure.

Their job is crucial in settings where radiation is used, such as nuclear power plants, hospitals, research laboratories, or radiological and diagnostic facilities.

They are responsible for enforcing radiation safety guidelines and procedures to protect both the personnel and the environment from potential hazards of radiation.

This includes ensuring that all safety equipment is in working order and educating employees about potential risks and safety procedures.

Health Physics Technicians often conduct routine inspections and tests to measure the level of radiation in a specific area or on equipment.

They use specialized equipment, such as Geiger counters or dosimeters, to detect and measure radiation levels.

Additionally, they may be involved in the collection and analysis of environmental samples to check for radioactive contamination.

This could include air, water, soil, or biotic samples.

In the event of a radiation leak or emergency, Health Physics Technicians are responsible for initiating immediate corrective actions, which might involve evacuating personnel, decontaminating affected areas, and collaborating with other professionals in radiation protection and emergency response.

Furthermore, they are responsible for maintaining records of radiation exposure for all personnel, assisting in the disposal of radioactive waste, and ensuring compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations.

 

Health Physics Technician Qualifications and Skills

A competent Health Physics Technician should possess a variety of technical skills, knowledge in health physics and other necessary soft skills, such as:

• Expertise in operating and maintaining radiation survey equipment to monitor the radiation environment and ensure safety.
• Ability to interpret and understand radiation readings to identify and prevent potential hazards.
• Technical knowledge in health physics to establish radiation protection standards and protocols.
• High attention to detail to effectively conduct radiation surveys and environmental sampling in different settings.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to address any unexpected issues or emergencies related to radiation safety.
• Strong communication skills to clearly explain radiation safety procedures, convey results of radiation surveys, and provide necessary instructions to the team.
• Good interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse team, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and administrative staff.
• Understanding of regulations and compliance requirements related to radiation safety and the ability to ensure their implementation.
• Physical ability to perform tasks such as lifting heavy equipment and working in various environmental conditions.

 

Health Physics Technician Experience Requirements

Health Physics Technicians typically require an associate’s degree or higher in a related field, such as physics, health physics, radiologic technology, or nuclear engineering.

Before becoming a Health Physics Technician, many candidates gain practical experience through internships or part-time work in radiation monitoring, nuclear technology, or a related field.

At the entry-level stage, candidates may have at least 1 to 2 years of relevant experience.

Individuals with 3 to 5 years of experience might have worked in more specialized roles such as Radiation Protection Technician, Nuclear Technician, or Radiochemical Analyst, further honing their skills in radiation safety, radioactive materials management, and emergency response.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field often possess advanced technical expertise and may have supervisory or management experience.

These individuals may be well-suited for senior or leadership roles within health physics.

Certain roles may require further certification or licensure, which would require additional hands-on experience under the supervision of a certified health physicist.

This ensures the technician is well-equipped to handle more complex tasks in radiation protection and safety.

 

Health Physics Technician Education and Training Requirements

Health Physics Technicians typically require an associate degree or certification in health physics, nuclear technology, or a related field from an accredited institution.

These programs provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in handling radioactive materials and using radiation detection and protection equipment.

Some roles may require a bachelor’s degree in health physics or a closely related field, especially for more advanced or specialized roles.

In addition to formal education, Health Physics Technicians also need to have extensive on-the-job training to gain hands-on experience in implementing radiation safety procedures.

Many employers require Health Physics Technicians to be certified by the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT) or similar organizations.

This usually involves passing an examination that tests knowledge and skills in the field of health physics.

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to changes in radiation safety regulations and technology advances.

Therefore, many technicians pursue additional courses, certifications, or even advanced degrees to stay updated in the field.

 

Health Physics Technician Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Health Physics Technician is approximately $59,445 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, certification level, geographical location, and the specific employer.

 

Health Physics Technician Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Health Physics Technician need?

A Health Physics Technician typically needs an associate’s degree in health physics or a related field, like radiation protection.

Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to formal education, hands-on training in radiation protection is often necessary.

This can be obtained through military service, hospital work, or on-the-job training.

Technicians may also need to complete a state exam to receive a license or certification in some states.

 

What are the daily duties of a Health Physics Technician?

Health Physics Technicians are responsible for ensuring the safe use of radiation and radioactive materials.

On a daily basis, they might monitor radiation levels, inspect safety equipment, or oversee the disposal of radioactive waste.

They also prepare reports on radiation safety and may provide training to other staff on radiation protection procedures.

In case of any incidents, they are trained to respond to radiation emergencies.

 

What skills are important for a Health Physics Technician?

A successful Health Physics Technician will have a strong background in science and mathematics, as well as a keen attention to detail to monitor radiation levels accurately.

They should also have good problem-solving skills to identify and mitigate any potential hazards.

Communication skills are crucial, as technicians often need to explain complex technical information to non-experts.

 

What should you look for in a Health Physics Technician resume?

When reviewing resumes, look for candidates with a degree in a relevant field and hands-on experience with radiation safety.

Additional certifications or licensure can also be a good indicator of a candidate’s expertise.

It’s also important to consider the candidate’s soft skills, like communication and problem-solving abilities.

 

Is there room for advancement in a Health Physics Technician career?

Yes, there is potential for career advancement for Health Physics Technicians.

With additional experience and education, technicians can advance to become Health Physicists, Radiation Safety Officers, or even Managers of Radiation Safety programs.

Some may also choose to specialize in a specific area of health physics, such as medical health physics or radiation protection engineering.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricacies of what being a health physics technician truly entails.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about following safety protocols.

It’s about safeguarding humanity’s health, one radiological procedure at a time.

Armed with our definitive health physics technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why end your journey here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your guide to creating precise job listings or honing your resume to utter perfection.

Remember:

Every safety procedure is a step towards a healthier world.

Let’s safeguard that future. Together.

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