Radiation protection education for health sciences students

Since the discovery of X-rays, the use of ionizing radiation in health sciences applications has increased significantly. This progress must be accompanied by specific education and training in radiation protection. This study analyzes the radiation protection training received by Spanish health sciences students, both at university level (Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry, and Nursing) and at non-university level (Higher Technician in Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Higher Technician in Radiotherapy and Dosimetry, and Higher Technician in Oral Hygiene). Official curricula, legal requirements for workers exposed to ionizing radiation, continuing education programs, and the applicable regulatory framework were evaluated in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. The results indicate that, although Spain has sufficient regulation in this field, radiation protection education remains heterogeneous and unevenly aligned with professional responsibilities, highlighting the need for greater awareness and the development of targeted educational tools to achieve the established objectives.