Testimonials

RSO Classes in 2003

As a person coming to Radiation Safety Academy new to Radiation Safety…I feel very confident I can go back to my lab and fill the responsibility of the RSO.

Brian Nahory

Northrop Grumman

Dec. 2003

I learned a great deal of practical information; perhaps more than was required. All was worthwhile.

David Constant

ESSROC Cement

Dec. 2003

Before I began this course I had the assumption that most everyone else without radioactive training had; no level of radiation is safe and that radiation killed and mutated people every year. The instructors in this program were well spoken and provided the information that we could use to establish an effective Radiation Safety Program and be effective RSO’s. I would recommend the RSO Program to anyone who wants to have a solid foundation in Radiation Safety and the responsibilities that accompany it.

Ric Wilson

Dynea Overlays

Dec. 2003

This is an extremely comprehensive course that may be beneficial to those with either limited or extensive radiation experience. With the amount of material covered, there will be something for everyone.

John May

Mississippi Space Services

Dec. 2003

I was really wide-eyed when I was told I would be becoming the RSO. This course has really helped to prepare me for the duties I will have to perform. I know now the things I need and will have to do; it’s just a matter of getting it done when I get back. The tools are in my hand it’s just making sure I use them. Thanks. P.S. I am sure I will be calling you (RSA) again.

Keith N. Frase

Regional Nuclear Pharmaceuticals

Dec. 2003

Very Practical class that gives good hands on information on Radiation Safety.

David Leas

Arrow-Tech, Inc.

Oct. 2003

Even though this course covers a lot more that I need as the RSO for Nuclear Density meters, it gives me the knowledge to be prepared and confident in preparing our Radiation Program. If I had to do it over again, I would again choose this course & company. My thank to you all!

David M. Carl, CSP

VFL Technology Corporation

Oct. 2003

Excellent course regardless of your knowledge or experience in radiation. Great Instructors that have a wealth of practical knowledge. Best in Class!!

Tim Goddeyne

Johnson & Johnson

Oct. 2003

I enjoyed the comprehensive coverage of Radiation Safety and found it useful to bring back to my company to maintain a high quality program.

Michael Conroy

Celgene Corp.

Oct. 2003

Very Thorough, extensive information is covered. I feel adequately trained to perform any of my future responsibilities.

Rocus A. Peters

VFL Technology Corporation

Oct. 2003

This RSO Course provides a sound foundation for new RSO’s and a relevant refresher for existing RSO’s.

Georgia Ranger

Smiths Detection

Oct. 2003

A terrific course for anyone working in radioactive materials handling/dealing facility and you don’t necessarily have to be an on-coming RSO. You do want to have some familiarity with it though. Even if some topics don’t directly apply, they are all interesting and you will learn more from all of them.

Joe Martin

S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook

Oct 2003

Radiation Safety is to be concerned around the world and having knowledge of it will help people understand what Radiation is or Radioactivity is all about.

Jossian Pagan-Lisboa

Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital

Oct. 2003

Great Course. The best radiation safety course I ever took. Ray “The God Father of Rad Safety “Johnson is the man! Also his staff was very informative and personable.

Hans Gorbert

S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook

Sep 2003

Ray makes Radiation fun to learn. Becoming an RSO has never been easier. Great Instructors, great environment, great time.

W. Edwar Cabrera

J Core Drilling

Sep 2003

Extremely practical and presented in a way that actually makes radiation and radiation safety enjoyable. The instructors are very knowledgeable and the fact that they are available and encourage you to call them if needed which is very comforting to a new RSO. The friendly staff and the care provided (lunches and abundance of snacks) make the week a fun learning experience. Thank you all for putting together this wonderful session.

Harini Shandilya

Transgenomic, Inc.

Sept 2003

Excellent source of information from instructors and handouts. Comprehensive coverage of materials for RSO’s.

Michell Heider

Alliance Imaging, Inc. (PET)

Sep 2003

Having attended other RSO courses in the past I found the course provided by RSA to be a great opportunity to become aware of radiation safety issues outside my area of responsibility. Rays collection of everyday “antiques” is a great idea to illustrate the radiation around us. This is a method that will find it’s way into my facility’s annual “Radiation Awareness” training.

Rob Cranmer, MS, CIH, RSO

BP Carson Polypropylene

Sep 2003

I need to express my thanks for all the team; they work hard to give us an excellent knowledge in a very short period time with a family circumstance. I’ll recommend this course for anybody who needs to be an effective and smart RSO.

Hanan El-Mohamady

NAMRU-3

Sept 2003

The commitment to teaching is genuine. No reasonable effort was overlooked in order to provide a through understanding of the subject, effective communication, and a comfortable atmosphere.

Cliff Pollard

US Army Corps of Engineers (CRREL)

Sep 2003

Interesting, fun and useful! A week has just flown. Contents, materials and instructors are all good. Long days of 10 hrs of classes, but a really short week after all!

Kimun Nam

Korea Power Engineering Co. Ltd.

Sep 2003

The environment, trainers and the method of material presentation, including examples & hands-on exercises, made taking this course a pleasure. I will gladly return for future training.

Bob Cowley

Cinergy Solutions of Narrows, VA

Sep 2003

The course enabled me to rapidly gain an appreciation of the responsibilities of RSO in an informal and fun atmosphere. I enjoyed it – even the regs!

Alan Mahoney
University of Pennsylvania
Sep 2003

ALARA….Time, Distance, Shielding

Markus Hannig
Betacontrol of America
Sep 2003

This course provides an outstanding overview, along with a practical hands-on approach to managing a wide variety of radioactive sources. I’d recommend this course to anyone who manages a radiation safety program.

Kristi Hames
Ashland Incorporated
Aug 2003

Extremely informative course with knowledgeable instructors with “real world” experiences.

Rance Hardison
NOAA
Aug 2003

I felt that the information covered was appropriate for new RSO’s and RSO’s requiring refresher training. It was well presented by a staff of trained individuals who can make their point known.

Keith Barkhymer
Allegheny General Hospital
Aug 2003

The Radiation Safety Academy is staffed with highly qualified individuals who focus their energy on quality. This is evident in the classroom material provided, classroom location and upkeep, prepared presentations, and the team concept of the staff. I was highly impressed by the diversity of experience of the training staff. I look forward to future classes and recommend them to anyone seeking true knowledge with their required certification.

Karen Schatzmann
ABX Air, Inc.
July 2003

I feel that this course provides me with the proper tools to return to my organization and perform a good evaluation of our program.

George McAbee
General Engineering Laboratories LLC
July 2003

Great Course, Instructors help you to understand all you want to know and more. Now I feel I might be able with some help to do this job.

Gail D. Blake
Defense Distribution Depot
Norfolk, VA
July 2003

This course is highly recommended for anyone who is a new radiation safety officer and desires a solid foundation of knowledge foe being the responsible person. The instructors are motivated, knowledgeable and will answer all questions. Look forward to getting back to my organization and applying the information I have learned. I am confident I can handle the task!

Allan C. Marble
Unified Consultants Group
July 2003

It was a very helpful course, it gives a lot of information that I can use on my work area. The instructors are excellent and the other employees are really nice.

Nancy Ildefonso
Medical Science Campus
University of Puerto Rico
July 2003

The course is very informative and a must for someone who will taking on the responsibilities of ‘RSO’.

Mark Sheppard
Weyerhaeuser
June 2003

Excellent hands on laboratory section. Instrumentation section was a plus.

Ellen R. Lovell
JDS Uniphase
June 2003

Thank you! I’ve learned a great deal & will be able to immediately apply at our facility what I’ve learned. I have much more confidence in managing our radiation program.

Linda Barcomb
DNAX Research, Inc.
June 2003

Very useful course for new RSO who are ready to accept challenges.

Rasik Gohl, Ph.D.
Huntingdon Life Sciences, Inc.
June 2003

Excellent course – The instructors have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they use to make what is often “only” material interesting.

Sam Earl
Northrop Grumman Newport News
May 2003

RSA provided practical and good resource information for any RSO just starting a Radiation Safety program. Additional guidance for an RSO could be found in reference material or through contact information provided over the course of training. Thanks for the abundance of information.

Tim Stiller
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems
May 2003

Great course!! Has given me the knowledge base to go back and perform my job effectively.

Kevin Readie
Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp.
Apr 2003

Excellent instruction on radiation fundamentals for those requiring more radiation knowledge without necessarily having radiation safety officer duties as part of their job duties.

Gilberto Irizarry
U.S. EPA
Apr 2003

This is a very dynamic and informative course. I was a little reluctant or apprehensive about taking this course. After completing the training, I feel better prepared and more of an asset to my company as the RSO. I would highly recommend this course to new RSO’s and seasoned RSO’s.

Brian B. Neal
General Dynamics-AIS
Apr 2003

I thought it was an excellent course and I will be back in the future. What a great team you have.

Weldon Parker
NDE Corporate Level III
Apr 2003

Great Course! Had a great time. Excellent review of fundamentals. Will recommend to co-workers and other radiation workers.

Brian Saunders
AFIERA
Apr 2003

For practicing industrial hygienists and safety professionals who may have responsibilities in radiation safety, this course provides a good refresher on the math principles typically applied. This course could be used to prepare an individual for the types of questions that could be seen on the ABIH & BCSP examinations for the radiation rubric. Any IH or safety professional looking for a radiation specific preparatory review would benefit from this course’s content.

Mark Graham, CIH, CSP
Syngenta Crop Protection
Apr 2003

I am a repeat RSO Student. Radiation Safety Academy instructors are as sharp as a tack. I am going thru a difficult time in my career currently where my present company is closing and I am dong the decommissioning. I have been asked by a new company moving into my building to stay on and be the new RSO for them. I will be applying to the NRC for a new license. I feel that I have a good grasp of the issues needed to complete the new paths in front of me. Thanks to Radiation Safety Academy.

Kevin Kerod
Nextran/Verto
Apr 2003

This course is a smart investment of time and money. If I was depending on someone else to ensure my safety, I would want this to be the course they had taken.

Kenneth Shane Olson
Plum Creek MDF
Mar 2003

Practical information for both the tenured and new health and safety professional. Excellent instructors with comprehensive experience and knowledge.

Nick Rice
Plum Creek MDF
Mar 2003

I have learned so much about radiation materials. You guys are very good teachers. You made the class very fun to learn about a very hard subject. I thank you very much!!

Min Lee
Inova Alexandria Hospital
Mar 2003

I would recommend the RSO Course to individuals who are both experienced and inexperienced in the fundamentals of radiation. The combination of in-depth course work and highly experienced instructors provided me with the tools to run a well rounded Radiation Safety Program. The cross country trip has been validated with the wealth of knowledge I have gained from the RSO Course.

Mark Meurette
Alza
Mar 2003

I feel it prepared me for challenges I thought I could never handle.

Graciano Matos
City College of New York
Mar 2003

Course was able to cover a wide range of topics and put them together to give an understanding of an RSO’s job and what an RSO needs to know. Instructors were excellent.

James K. Grant
Tyco Healthcare / Mallinckrodt
Mar 2003

The course was great. I can’t think of anything that was left out. I am primarily involved in emergency response at a local law enforcement level. Although the course is quite technical there is no substitute for the knowledge gained.

Christopher Yezzi
Metropolitan Police Department
Mar 2003

The hours spent studying and preparing was worth it. Although the days were long and the information discussed was voluminous, the work done by Ray & Alan to share their knowledge made it enjoyable. Normally, a week away from work is considered lost time and is filled with constant worry and pre-occupation about what is being missed. During my walk spent at the RSO Class, I was so engrossed in the material being provided, I didn’t care about what was happening in the office.

James E. Griffith
Mar 2003

This is a great place to get an up to date refresher in one place. It includes all the materials I need to maintain a 1st rate facility and radiation safety program.

Joe Finch
General Dynamics
Feb 2003

A superior course that will teach you what you need to know for a successful Radiation Safety Program. Interesting to those with and without a radiological background. Superb instructors are knowledgeable and provide many anecdotes of their years of experience in the field.

Mike Barry
US EPA Region 1
Feb 2003

I found this course excellent in the areas of theory of radiation and all aspects of radiation safety compliances of material for reference work was excellent.

Keith E. Anderson
Lucius Pitkin Inc.
Feb 2003

This radiation safety officer training is very informative, especially with the introduction to references directly related to specific regulations and guides for the preparation and implementation of radiation safety program as related to industrial radiography. Greatest new information source that I was introduced to was the NUREG 156, vol. 2.

Kenneth B. Lloyd
Stupp Bridge Company
Feb 2003

This course gave me a substantial amount of useful information that I will be able to implement with confidence to maintain compliance to the regulations. I am excited to have good information to gauge where our program is and what more needs to be done to make the program stronger.

Wendy Barnes
Wayne State University
Feb 2003

This course was an excellent learning opportunity for items an RSO needs to know. The knowledge gained will be helpful in my new position as RSO.

Jason M. Tennant
II-VI Inc.
Feb 2003

     In 15 years as an RSO, as a trained/boarded/radiologist/physician, and as a trained radiation “responder’” I have never experienced such thorough and valuable radiation-related training.
     The subject material is very difficult to make “interesting” for the person “assigned” or delegated related duties, but this academy managed to provide this training in an “enjoyable” environment, tailored to the needs of the students.
     I would strongly suggest anyone with RSO responsibilities consider attending – regardless of background/experience.

Rand J. Cuthbertson, MD
Charleston Radiologist PC
Jan 2003

     This is a course that is practical for any level of experience. Whether you are someone who infrequently uses or manages radioactive material, or if it’s a full time job – you’ll definitely be challenged to think.
     The style of presentation is fun and informative. The classroom is like a museum of radiation artifacts. The instructors are seasoned pros, but they know how to present the material in a way that insures you’ll get it!
     Bottom line – this is one of the best classes I’ve attended!

Steven Douglas, CHMM
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.
Jan 2003

I recommend the specific RSO course for portable gauge operators. This course encompasses all aspects of Radiation Safety including legal accountability and Radiation Safety Officer Responsibilities.

Robert L. Farmer, P.L.S.
State of Alaska DOT&PF, D&ES, Statewide Materials
Jan 2003

A very good course to attend and learn from. The instructors were very knowledgeable and interesting. Probably the best – most professional course I attended in my 25 year career with Alaska DOT. Also the use of CSI for future reference and help may be one of the best aspects of this course.

Pat Harmon
Alaska DOT
Jan 2003

Very Knowledgeable instructors who are able to hold your interest and provide real world applications of materials. Course content is complete. Ray, your entire staff including yourself went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and provided a very relaxed atmosphere conducive to covering a large amount of material in a very short time. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Daniel Burke
State of Alaska DOT
Jan 2003

This course offers an individual the opportunity to investigate and learn what information, steps and actions are required to do my job. What I took/walked away with from this class was a ton of reference materials, lots of ideas and other folks to be able to talk to, or use as a means to bounce ideas off.

Maureen Lee
State of Alaska DOT
Jan 2003

Wide range of topics. A lot of useful information provided with clear presentations. Well scheduled and organized.

Alexander Dizhoor
Peen College of Optometry
Jan 2003

Very fine and comprehensive course which serves as a very good foundation prior to assuming responsibilities as RSO.

Howard DiPiazza, MD
Holy Cross Hospital
Jan 2003

The RSO course was excellent. The instructors were experts and were able to convey the information in a format that was understandable and applicable. The visual aids were practical and very effective in conveying the information to the learner. I would recommend this course and the Radiation Safety Academy to anyone looking for radiation training. An excellent value for your money.

Bruce Neumann
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jan 2003

This course was an excellent source of knowledge for anyone who is entering the field of Radiation as well as experienced persons. I now have a much better understanding of the “Big Picture” and what obstacles there are to overcome in communications with the public. Thank you for all of the wonderful food and instruction.

John W. Edwards, Jr.
Paper Making Controls Service, Inc.
Jan 2003

     This was an excellent course for a beginner in the field. The first day I was a little overwhelmed, but when the class started on Tuesday I felt better as the basics were covered very effectively on Monday. You provide very good references to use back in our facilities. At least now I have a better idea of where to go to find answers to my questions.
     All of the instructors, as well as the staff, were very approachable and helpful with any questions I had. I would highly recommend your services and courses.

Nan Dyer
Paper Making Controls Service, Inc.
Jan 2003