Radiation protection education for health sciences students

Since the discovery of x-rays, the use of ionising radiation in health sciences has increased substantially. Proper education and training in radiation protection are essential to ensure safe practice. This study evaluates the radiation protection training received by Spanish health sciences students. We analysed training at both university level (Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry, and Nursing) and non-university level (Higher Technician in Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy and Dosimetry, and Oral Hygiene). Official curricula, legal requirements for workers exposed to ionising radiation, continuing education programmes, and the regulatory framework were reviewed to identify strengths and gaps. Although Spain has sufficient regulation regarding radiation protection, training for health sciences students is heterogeneous and not consistently aligned with professional responsibilities. Differences were observed between university and non-university programmes, as well as among different health disciplines. Radiation protection education in Spain requires improvement to ensure uniform and adequate preparation of health sciences students, aligned with the responsibilities encountered in professional practice. Enhanced awareness and targeted educational strategies are needed to standardise radiation protection training, ensuring safe clinical practice and compliance with regulatory standards across health sciences disciplines.