Radiological Health Sciences

Purdue University in West Lafayette

If you are interested in studying the intersection of engineering, physics and health care, radiological health sciences is the perfect fit.

This major is dedicated to advancing the biomedical, health and scientific uses of radiation while protecting individuals, communities and the environment from its harmful effects. This major applies radiation to medicine to ensure the safe use and maintenance of equipment that diagnoses and treats disease.

Students within this major can complete excellent internships within industry and health care facilities. The School of Health Sciences also has a 3T MRI machine located on campus where undergraduate students can engage in medical imaging research.

Graduates in radiological health sciences (RADH) develop and apply scientific and engineering practices for the effective and safe use of radiation. RADH coursework includes a strong foundation in STEM including a physics minor and the opportunity to supplement radiation health science courses with nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, and occupational and environmental health sciences courses. Internships are strongly encouraged, and opportunities are available in industry (measurement and instrumentation and nuclear energy), research (safety of radionucladies/radiopharmacy), medicine (therapeutics and diagnostics), and government.

School of Health Sciences Honors Program

Students admitted to biomedical health sciences may have the opportunity to participate in the School of Health and Sciences Honors Program, a program that promotes and supports honors research for high-achieving students.

Health Physics Concentration

The radiological health sciences major is dedicated to advancing the biomedical, health and scientific uses of radiation while protecting individuals, communities and the environment from its harmful effects. This major also applies radiation to medicine to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of equipment that diagnoses and treats disease. The radiation protection — or “health physics” concentration prepares students for the profession devoted to protecting people and their environment from potential radiation hazards while also making it possible to enjoy the beneficial uses of radiation. Health physics involves many disciplines such as physics, biology, biophysics, engineering, chemistry, genetics, ecology, environmental sciences, metallurgy, meteorology, hydrology, medicine, physiology, toxicology and industrial hygiene. A radiation safety officer within an organization is responsible for the safe use of radiation and radioactive materials as well as regulatory compliance. A trained health physicist evaluates the radiation environment using instruments and calculations and works with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with radiation exposure standards.

Pre-Medical Physics Concentration

This radiological health sciences major, the pre-medical physics concentration (PRMP), is dedicated to advancing the biomedical, health and scientific uses of radiation in medicine. PRMP prepares students in applying physics to medical imaging and radiation therapy, to ensure the proper application, safe operation and maintenance of equipment and new technologies in the clinic. The medical physics program at Purdue is a CAMPEP accredited program that provides an important need in a variety of professional environments: clinic, hospital, private practice or university. Medical physicists work closely with physicians and patients to develop radiation therapy treatments that minimize side effects while effectively treating cancer and medical imaging procedures and technology to diagnose disease. Undergraduate students in pre-medical physics have the possibility to complete an accelerated five-year (4+1) Master of Science degree in medical physics through the School of Health Sciences. During the master's degree, students must choose a track in either diagnostic (imaging) radiological physics or therapeutic radiological physics. Both options are professional degrees that traditionally take 6.5 years to complete and both options lead to excellent health care careers.

Radiation Health and Safety Concentration

The radiological health sciences major is dedicated to advancing the biomedical, health and scientific uses of radiation while protecting individuals, communities and the environment from its harmful effects. This major also applies radiation to medicine to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of equipment that diagnoses and treats disease. The radiation health and safety concentration prepares students for the profession devoted to protecting people and their environment from potential radiation and other occupational and environmental hazards. Radiation health and safety technicians are responsible for evaluating the hazard environment using instruments and calculations to ensure the safety of workers and the public.