Radiation Protection Adviser
Ensure radiation is used safely and legally in hospitals, industry, research and nuclear facilities.
A day in the life
Survey workplaces, calculate radiation doses, write safety cases, train staff, and advise on legal compliance.
Typical route
Helpful A-levels
Physics and Maths are helpful; Chemistry can also be useful
Typical qualification and training
- Physics, Radiation Protection or another relevant scientific degree
- Relevant workplace experience plus recognised evidence of core competence under IRR17
To act as an RPA, an individual must hold recognised evidence of core competence, such as a valid certificate from an HSE-recognised assessing body, and be suitable for the employer's particular work.
These are common routes, not compulsory subject combinations. Entry requirements vary between universities, training schemes and employers, so always check the current provider requirements.
Indicative UK salary
- Starter
- £26,000-£33,000
- Experienced
- £40,000-£58,000
- Senior
- £70,000+
Nuclear and consultancy roles often pay more than NHS.
Salary range checked against Prospects.ac.uk: Radiation Protection Practitioner.
UK employers
- NHS
- UKAEA
- Sellafield Ltd
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
Worldwide employers
- IAEA
- US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Orano
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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