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CIP 51.0916 Health Professions

Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

43

2025 · 4 schools

International share

0.0%

0 international students

Bachelor's degrees

19

0.0% international

Overview

Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician is a specialized field that focuses on the safety and health aspects of working with radiation in various environments, including medical, industrial, and research settings. Professionals in this field are responsible for monitoring and controlling radiation exposure to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to protect the health of workers, patients, and the general public.

The curriculum for this program typically includes coursework in physics, radiation biology, health physics principles, and regulatory standards. Students are trained in the use of radiation detection instruments, dosimetry, and emergency response procedures. They also learn about the biological effects of radiation and the importance of implementing effective safety protocols.

Graduates of this program can find employment in hospitals, nuclear power plants, laboratories, and government agencies. They may work as radiation safety officers, health physicists, or technologists, playing a vital role in risk assessment and management. Their responsibilities often include conducting radiation surveys, analyzing exposure data, and developing safety policies to minimize risks associated with radiation.

Overall, a career as a Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician is not only critical in maintaining safety standards but also offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of technology and health protection. As society continues to utilize radiation in various applications, the demand for skilled technicians in this field is expected to grow, making it a promising choice for students interested in science and safety.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2004 to 2025, graduates grew 153% and the international share went from 5.9% to 0.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
65.1%
Asian
2.3%
Hispanic
20.9%
Black
4.7%
Other
7.0%
Intl.
0.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 4 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#219 Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Indiana 15 0
— Aiken Technical College South Carolina 13 0
— Columbia Basin College Washington 13 0
— Lewis University Illinois 2 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 221,270 — $147,570
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other 182,610 $28.23 $58,710
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians 30,590 $32.75 $68,120
Nuclear Technicians 6,470 $52.37 $108,940

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2004–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.