Overview

Nuclear medicine scientists are primarily responsible for medical defense that is related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear matters. As an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your skills while conducting research that supports our national defense.

Job Duties

• Functions in medical nuclear/radiological defense operations, nuclear elimination missions and radiation safety programs
  
• Advises on related fields for public, occupational and environmental health
  
• Provides identification, evaluation, and guidance for personnel protection for potential radiation hazards
• Serves as expert on emergency response teams
  

Requirements

Active Duty

• Master’s degree in radiobiology, radiochemistry, nuclear physics, health physics, radiological physics, applied atomic physics, nuclear engineering, laser/microwave physics or any related field from an accredited program acceptable to the Surgeon General
  
• At least one year of clinical laboratory experience in a Department of Defense health care facility, university or other facility
  
• Certification (or eligibility for certification) from the American Board of Health Physics
  
• Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver)
  
• Must be a U.S. citizen
  
  

Army Reserve

• In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.
  

Training

Job training for medical service corps officers includes completing an Officer Basic Leadership Course, which introduces you to the Army Health Care system, Army doctrine and basic Soldier/leader skills.

Helpful Skills

• Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions
  
• Perform under stress
  
• Apply critical technical and thinking skills
  
• Tremendous concentration
  

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Active Duty
In addition to the many privileges that come from being on the U.S. Army health care team, you’ll also be rewarded with:

• Pay for continuing education
  
• U.S. Citizenship before enlisting
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• Commissary and post exchange shopping privileges
  
  

Army Reserve

• Pay for continuing education
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• Flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k)
  

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education.