Standard Occupational Classification (SOC): Nuclear Engineers

Nuclear engineers in healthcare may use their expertise in nuclear science and technology to develop and apply nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and other medical technologies that use ionizing radiation.

In healthcare, nuclear engineers may work in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities to develop, design and test new medical equipment such as linear accelerators, and imaging devices. They may also be involved in the treatment planning of patients who are going to receive radiation therapy, and in the safe handling of radioactive materials.

Nuclear engineers in healthcare may also be involved in the research and development of new and emerging technologies, such as targeted radionuclide therapy and molecular imaging, which have the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases. They may also be involved in the optimization of the radiation dose and imaging protocols to minimize the risk of injury to healthy tissues and organs.

Nuclear engineers in healthcare must have a good understanding of the principles of nuclear physics, radiation protection, and medical imaging. They also need to have knowledge of the regulations and standards that apply to the safe use of ionizing radiation in medicine.

In conclusion, nuclear engineers in healthcare play an important role in developing and applying medical technologies that use ionizing radiation, to help improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers.