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The Radiation Health Department of NUMI is responsible for the initial radiation health training of Undersea Medical Officer Candidates (UMOC), Radiation Health Officers (RHO), Submarine Force Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) and Radiation Health Technicians (RHT) in the United States Navy. NUMI is also the home of the Navy's only Radiation Health Indoctrination (RHI) program. To find out more about these courses, click on the Course Catalog to the left.
UMOCs receive an introduction to Radiological Fundamentals and Radiological Controls followed by extensive training on Radiation Medical Examinations and Radiation Health Program Administration. At the end of the Radiation Health Phase of training, students are required to pass a comprehensive final examination followed by an oral board.
RHOs receive the initial training necessary to manage Navy Radiation Health Programs in support of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, Nuclear Weapons, Medical/Dental, and Industrial Radiological Controls Programs. Instruction is provided in Radiological Fundamentals, Radiological Controls, Personnel Dosimetry, Medical Surveillance, Medical Casualty Response, Radiation Health Administration, Computer Science, and Radiation Safety in Naval Medical Facilities. At the end of a 5 week session, RHO students are required to pass a comprehensive final examination followed by an oral board.
In partnership with the Uniformed Services University College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS), NUMI provides RHT students a pathway to completing an Associate of Health Sciences degree. Students are able to complete all core coursework for the degree while enrolled in the program. For more information, the CAHS Student Handbook and NUMI RHT degree plan and syllabi are available for review.
Submarine Force IDCs receive the training necessary to manage a Radiation Health Program aboard a nuclear powered submarine. Instruction is provided in Radiological Fundamentals, Radiological Controls, Personnel Dosimetry, Medical Surveillance, Casualty Response, Radiation Health Administration, Computer Science, Mathematics, Personnel Training, and Radiation Safety at Naval Medical Facilities. At the end of 9 weeks of didactic and laboratory training, students are required to pass a final comprehensive examination. Students then begin a radiation health mentorship program, concurrent with medicine training, which simulates an operational radiation health program that is evaluated by an ORSE during the final evaluation phase.
The Radiation Health Indoctrination course is a one week class that provides basic instruction in Radiation Health essential for support of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. It is designated for Medical Department personnel, military and civilian, assigned to nuclear powered ships, nuclear weapons capable ships, or selected maintenance facilities.
The Naval Undersea Medical Institute is the only training site authorized to provide the initial training in Radiation Health. The Radiation Health Officer (RHO) Course enables Medical Service Corps officers to successfully manage Navy Radiation Health Programs ashore and afloat. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide administrative and operational expertise in support of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion (NNPP), Nuclear Weapons, Medical/Dental, and Industrial Radiological Controls Programs.
Learning Objectives of the course encompass:
Radiation Health Officers and Radiation Specialists serve throughout the world in a wide variety of assignments including operational support on nuclear powered aircraft carriers (CVN), shipyards, submarine support units, Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF), medical research activities, training centers, executive leadership positions, and more.
Radiation Health and safety experts are responsible for all aspects of the occupational radiation protection programs at NNPP, industrial, and medical treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with Navy, Department of Defense, and Federal radiation exposure regulations:
Senior Officers provide leadership and management of Navy's Radiation Safety Program, holding key positions on the Naval Radiation Safety Committee. RHO's provide nonionizing radiation leadership in the Department of Defense (DoD) and our officers fill many key positions on DoD R/F and laser safety committees, in addition to national standards committees.
RHOs occupy positions in scientific research and academia, e.g. at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, RHO's support radiological physics and operational health physics research. Professional Requirements.
Junior and mid-grade RHO positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in science or mathematics and additional Navy training. Radiation Specialists and senior Radiation Health Officer positions require a minimum of a master's degree in science or mathematics, with professional board certification strongly recommended.
The Naval Undersea Medical Institute is the only training site authorized to provide the initial training in Radiation Health. The Radiation Health Technician (RHT) Course enables Hospital Corpsman to successfully operate Navy Radiation Health Programs ashore and afloat. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle day to day administrative operations in support of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion (NNPP), Nuclear Weapons, Medical/Dental, and Industrial Radiological Controls Programs. In certain locations around the globe, RHTs may work without direct supervision of a Radiation Health Officer.
Radiation Health Officers Technicians serve throughout the world in a wide variety of assignments including operational support on nuclear powered aircraft carriers (CVN), shipyards, submarine support units, Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF), medical research activities, training centers, and more.
RHTs occupy positions in scientific research and academia, e.g. at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, RHT's support radiological physics and operational health physics research.
The duties of an RHT are challenging and rewarding. After successfully becoming a Hospital Corpsman, motivated individuals that seek a high level of responsibility, a job that has a measurable impact in Navy from day one, and opportunities to expand education and scientific knowledge are encourage to pursue to apply.
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 7700 Arlington Blvd. Ste. 5113 Falls Church, VA 22042-5113 This is an official U.S. Navy website This is a Department of Defense (DoD) Internet computer system. General Navy Medical Inquiries (to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery): usn.ncr.bumedfchva.mbx.bumed-general-inquiries@health.mil