Medical dosimetrists use X-rays and other tools to determine a cancer patient's treatment dosage.
Medical dosimetry is a relatively new field in which a technician supports a radiation oncologist in calculating cancer patients' treatments and designing treatment plans. Working at cancer centers or radiation treatment centers, medical dosimetrists use information gleaned from X-rays, CT scans and MRIs to determine which treatment will target a patient's disease most effectively and how long treatment should last.
University of Wisconsin--LaCrosse
At the University of Wisconsin--LaCrosse, students can earn a certificate in medical dosimetry or a Master of Science degree in medical dosimetry. Students take three semesters of distance-learning courses while completing a clinical internship in a radiation oncology department. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The certificate program can be completed in 16 months, while the master's degree takes 20 months to complete. Certificate program students choose from a traditional, full-time program, or an on-the-job-training option if they are already working in the field. Their classes include anatomy, physics, radiation dose calculations, brachytherapy and radiation safety. Students pursuing a master's degree may choose from full-time study at a clinical internship site or a completion program for certified medical dosimetrists already working in the field. Master's students take courses including research methodology and operational issues in radiation oncology.
University of Wisconsin--La Crosse
4033 HSC
1725 State St.
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-8000
uwlax.edu/md/
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers a one-year program in which students who already have college credits can complete a bachelor's degree and professionals can earn an advanced certificate. The program is seeking accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on education in Radiologic Technology. Four tracks are offered for students who have started college coursework, already earned a degree in radiation therapy or another science field and are seeking either a bachelor's degree, or those seeking an advanced certificate. Students learn in classroom and laboratory settings, and participate in one year of clinical rotations at Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute facilities. After completing their studies and six months of clinical experience, students can apply for certification from the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Department of Radiation Oncology
Medical Dosimetry Program
4301 W. Markham, #771
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-686-7474
uams.edu/chrp/dosimetry
School of Allied Health Sciences at the Medical College of Georgia
The School of Allied Health Sciences at the Medical College of Georgia offers a Master of Health Science in medical dosimetry program, which is being considered for accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The curriculum includes 18 credit hours of clinical internship over four semesters, as well as studies in physics, research, epidemiology and biostatistics. Students must complete a total of 50-53 credit hours of study.
The School of Allied Health Sciences
Medical College of Georgia
1459 Laney Walker Blvd., AA2028
Augusta, GA 30912-0100
706-721-3046
www.mgc.edu/sah/brt/meddos
Tags: Allied Health, Allied Health Sciences, Arkansas Medical, Arkansas Medical Sciences, clinical internship, College Georgia
