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How to Become a Medical Dosimetrist

Are you interested in a career in oncology? Do you have strong math, science, and computer skills? Do you enjoy working independently and solving complex problems? Are you excited by rapidly evolving technology and new methods in cancer treatment? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, then a career in Medical Dosimetry might be right for you!


What Do Medical Dosimetrists Do?
 

 

Traits of a Medical Dosimetrist & Subject Knowledge

Team Player
Medical Dosimetrists have strong communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of information with radiation oncology team members, patients/family members and outside radiation oncology institutions. The Medical Dosimetrist collaborates closely with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist. 

Computer-Savvy
Knowledgeable in health care informatics-including the resources, devices, and methods to acquire, store and retrieve data. Tools include computers and software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as clinical guidelines, current medical terminology, information, and communication systems.
Medical Dosimetrists work within various computer programs to complete patient care tasks including imaging fusions (CT, MR, PET), treatment plan design/calculation. Additionally, Medical Dosimetrists have general knowledge of and implementation of scripts across various programming languages. 

Critical Thinker
Exhibits the ability to interpret criteria and develop treatment plans as defined by relevant treatment protocols. Knowledgeable in conducting clinical research including collecting data, implementing a study, and writing papers for publication.
Demonstrates high level critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate and give input regarding treatment plan options or on-line adaptive treatments.

Action-Oriented
Medical Dosimetrists must demonstrate initiative to work on patient cases independently. This requires understanding deadlines for preparing patient treatment plans as well as keeping track of multiple patient care tasks at once.

Subject Knowledge Experts In:

  • Anatomy
  • Clinical Oncology
  • Math
  • Radiation Physics
  • Radiation Safety
  • Radiobiology

 

The Two Required Steps to Become a Certified Medical Dosimetrist:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry at an accredited educational program
    1. Find a program: https://www.jrcert.org/find-a-program/
  2. Pass the National Medical Dosimetry Certification Exam
    1. Learn more: https://mdcb.org/certification-exam-information

Pathways to Medical Dosimetry 

There are many different degree paths that can lead to a career in Medical Dosimetry!

  1. Complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology
  2. Complete a bachelor’s degree or certificate in Radiation Therapy
  3. Complete a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry

HS Icon If you are in HIGH SCHOOL or if you have SOME COLLEGE credit:

HS Icon If you are in HIGH SCHOOL or if you have SOME COLLEGE credit:

  1. Option One:
    1. Complete an associate degree in Radiologic Technology
    2. Complete a bachelor's degree in a health or science field
    3. Complete a certificate in Radiation Therapy
    4. Complete a master’s degree or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry
  2. Option Two:
    1. Complete a bachelor's degree in Radiologic Technology
    2. Complete a certificate in Radiation Therapy (suggested)
    3. Complete a master's degree or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry
  3. Option Three:
    1. Complete a bachelor's degree in Radiation Therapy
    2. Complete a master's degree or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry
  4. Option Four (less common):
    1. Complete a bachelor's degree in a health or science field
    2. Complete a master's degree or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry
  5. Option Five:
    1. Complete a bachelor's degree in Medical Dosimetry

Radiologic Icon If you are a RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST:

Radiologic Icon If you are a RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST:

  1. If you do NOT have a bachelor's degree:
    1. Option One:
      1. Complete your bachelor's degree in Radiation Therapy or another health or science field
      2. Complete a master's degree or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry
    2. Option Two:
      1. Complete a bachelor's degree in Medical Dosimetry
  2. If you DO have a bachelor's degree:
    1. Option One:
      1. Complete a certificate in Radiation Therapy
      2. Complete a a master's degree or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry
    2. Option Two:
      1. Complete a bachelor's degree in Medical Dosimetry

Therapist Icon If you are a RADIATION THERAPIST:

Therapist Icon If you are a RADIATION THERAPIST:

  1. If you do NOT have a bachelor's degree:
    1. Option One:
      1. Complete your bachelor's degree in a health or science field
      2. Complete a master’s degree or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry
    2. Option Two:
      1. Complete a bachelor’s degree in Medical Dosimetry
  2. If you DO have a bachelor's degree:
    1. Complete a bachelor's degree, master’s degree, or post-graduate certificate in Medical Dosimetry
  3. A note about ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT): Historically, Radiation Therapists would often receive on-the-job training in Medical Dosimetry in their clinics. After their training, Radiation Therapists were eligible to take the National Medical Dosimetry Certification Exam. However, this route is no longer available. Currently, the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) requires exam candidates to have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) and to have completed an accredited Medical Dosimetry program that is at least 12 months in length.

A note about ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (OJT): Historically, Radiation Therapists commonly received on-the-job training in Medical Dosimetry at their clinics, which made them eligible to take the National Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) Exam. However, this pathway is no longer available. Currently, the MDCB mandates that exam candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) and have completed an accredited Medical Dosimetry program lasting at least 12 months.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Medical Dosimetry Program

  1. Can you stop working to attend a full-time Medical Dosimetry program?
    1. Many master’s and certificate programs are full-time, but there are some schools that offer a part-time option
  2. Finding a clinical affiliate site may be a challenge. Is your oncology department willing to become a clinical affiliate?  If not: Are you willing to relocate to a clinical site?
  3. How do I find an accredited Medical Dosimetry program?
    1. Find a program at https://www.jrcert.org/find-a-program/
    2. NOTE: When considering a degree program, please visit the program’s website to review application requirements. You may need to complete courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, advanced college math, radiation physics, and introductory health care.

 

Questions?

If you have additional questions, please email aamd@medicaldosimetry.org  and a member of the AAMD staff and/or the AAMD Career Services Committee will reach out to you within 1-2 business days.