The Health Physics Technologies (HPT) Program teaches the entry-level knowledge and skills required for employment as a health physics technician (also known as a radiological control technician). Health physics technicians protect people and environments by monitoring radioactivity and controlling exposure. They work in facilities that have radioactive materials, such as national laboratories, commercial nuclear power plants, dosimetry laboratories, particle accelerators, and university research facilities.
Health physics technicians undergo rigorous training to perform their job duties. They must use sophisticated equipment, identify potential radiological health hazards, and provide radiation and exposure control. Importantly, this work must be performed safely and documented clearly. Graduates of CEI’s Health Physics Technologies program earn an intermediate technical certificate that demonstrates they possess the skills, knowledge, and field-based training necessary to gain employment as entry-level technicians in this rewarding occupation.
The HPT program consists of two semesters of focused classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory training.
Entrance Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
- Must achieve a minimum score of 30 on the ALEKS placement test.
Enrollment in the Health Physics Technologies Program is limited. Completion of the minimum entrance requirement does not ensure acceptance into the program. Candidates for admission are selected on a competitive basis from a pool of qualified applicants. Unselected applicants must reapply each year for consideration.
Enrollment Process
All Health Physics Technologies Program application materials must be completed and submitted by April 1st for consideration for the fall semester start.
Students must enroll as a College of Eastern Idaho student and complete the Health Physics Technologies Program Application by following the steps below:
Step 1: Meet with an admission counselor
- New CEI students are encouraged to contact an admissions counselor at admissions@cei.edu for guidance and application questions.
- Current students must meet with an admission counselor to coordinate a change of program
Step 2: Complete the CEI Enrollment Application
Step 3: Submit HPT Supplemental Items and Documents
- Navigate back to the previously submitted application at: https://cei.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=/Apply
- Log in and select your Health Physics Technologies Application
- Navigate to “Supplemental Items and Documents”
- Follow the prompts to submit supplemental items and documents:
- Health Physics Technologies Agreement Form
- ALEKS placement test scores (minimum score = 30)
- 3-minute video interview
Post Application Requirements
- All new CEI students must complete Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR)
- Accepted HPT students must attend a mandatory HPT Program Orientation
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Know and apply radiation safety fundamentals and work safely to protect yourself and others
- Employable as a well-trained, and professional Health Physics Technician/Radiolgical Control Technician
- Demonstrate proficiency in practical exercises and skills used by a Health Physics Technician/Radiological Control Technician on the job
Program Costs
In addition to the semester registration fees, students can expect to spend approximately $350 on textbooks and instructional materials as well as a $59 course fee for HAZWOPER.
Program Continuation Requirements
- All program specific courses must be passed with an 80% or higher to continue in the program.
- Four standardized exams must be passed with an 80% or higher to continue in the program.
Additional information
- One cohort of 12 students is admitted each year
- Financial Aid Eligible
Required Coursework
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