I've been lurking here now and then for awhile and finally decided to jump in. I'm an analytical chemist with 7 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a Masters in Chemistry. I'm about to be laid off and might be eligible for TRA (Trade Act) retraining money. If I am able to get the funding, would a Masters in Health Physics be helpful to go nuke (probably the OSU (Oregon) online program)? Would this degree also qualify me to work in a hospital radiology or nuclear medicine department?
If I don't qualify for the retraining funding, how likely would it be to land an internship that covers part-time tuition at one of the nearby plants (Nine Mile I, II or Fitzpatrick)?
My current radiation experience is probably too limited to even be mentioned, but I had formal safety training related to undergraduate research using a 57Co Mossbauer source as well as graduate research (one visit) to the NIST neutron reactor in Gaithersburg, MD. My Masters in Chemistry was PChem oriented and I have an undergrad minor in physics, so future schooling should go well. Being in the pharmaceutical industry, I'm also familiar with the importance of proper documentation and compliance with SOPs.
Thanks!
Also consider possibility of working as a chemist in power plants. We have as about as many chemistry folks as we do HP. You would be able to jump right in without major retraining.
our current Plant Chemist (specialist type position - no direct reports) has a similar background. Started as Chem Tech here about 5 yrs ago, moved up last year. Wicked smart bugger, with schmooze skills to boot....
good luck.
:)
i head to the medical industry nukes a dying bussiness these days