A bachelor's degree with basic education in the physical sciences is necessary, but training is also required in other areas, such as biology and math. In addition, most health physicists have a master's degree in health physics. A few go on to receive a Ph.D. in health physics. Academic programs in health physics, leading to baccalaureate and advanced degrees, are now offered in several American universities. These comprehensive programs will allow you to specialize in areas such as medical physics, biophysics, nuclear engineering, radiation biology.
Opportunities also exist in the field for health physics technicians.
Academic training alone will not make a health physicist. Practical experience in applying radiation protection principles is essential. Health physicists are in demand in the job market, and the outlook for jobs in the future is good. They work in research, industry, education, national laboratories, and government at most every level. Some health physicists are self-employed consultants, and others are entrepreneurs who start their own companies.