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The field of Medical Dosimetry involves the measurement and calculation of dosage for the treatment of cancer patients, thereby making medical dosimetrists vital members of the radiation therapy team. After a tumor is located in a patient, dosimetrists use the physician’s instructions to calculate the radiation dosage. Dosimetrists explain procedures to patients and then fit patients with devices to keep them comfortable and immobile during treatment. They may also be involved in research and the development of new therapy techniques.
The department of Biomedical and Radiologic Technologies offers a Master of Health Science in Medical Dosimetry. The Master of Health Science in Medical Dosimetry is a post-baccalaureate program. The applicant must hold a Bachelor’s degree and certification in Radiation Therapy prior to admission into the program.
Professional Tasks and Working Environment
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The Medical Dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machines and equipment, is cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy and has the education and expertise necessary to generate radiation dose distributions and dose calculations in collaboration with the medical physicist and radiation oncologist.
Program graduates are eligible for the certification exam in Medical Dosimetry administered by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Boards (www.mdcb.org).
Skills and Interests Suited to a Career in Medical Dosimetry
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Medical Dosimetrists should be caring people with good communication skills. A medical dosimetrist should enjoy working with computers to obtain accurate and precise information to be implemented in the treatment of a radiation oncology patient. Related career fields include radiation therapy and medical physics.
Jobs are available in all areas of the country. Medical Dosimetrists are employed as clinicians by hospitals, universities, and clinics. Opportunities also exist with vendors who market and sell radiation oncology equipment.
The median annual salary of certified medical dosimetrists with 0-4 years of experience was $84,600 in 2007. The range of salaries for this level of experience was $77,800 to $92,000, and those who fell in the 90th percentile earned $100,700. (source: American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) 2007 Salary Report by Raymond Y. Chu, April 2007).
Admission is based on undergraduate college coursework including the overall, and math/science grade point averages (GPA). Other criteria include personal interviews and assessment of motivation and personal qualities needed to successfully complete the program. Prior to enrollment, the applicant must have:
- Certification in Raditation Therapy prior to the start of the program.
- A Bachelor’s degree
- A minimum verbal and quantitative combined GRE score of 1000 is needed for full admission. Provisional acceptance may be awarded for highly qualified applicants with a 900 GRE score. The results of all three components, including the analytical/written section of the general GRE exam must be provided.
- A minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum math/science grade point average of 2.75.
- A minimum of 8 hours of documented observation of a certified medical dosimetrist
- Specific college course prerequisites:
1) Anatomy and Physiology with labs
2) A two course sequence in general physics
3) Calculus
- For applicants whose first language is not English, minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 550 paper-based (213 computer-based);
- Transcripts from foreign countries must be evaluated by a professional evaluation agency prior to application (see www.mcg.edu/admissions/intstud.htm).
- Three letters of recommendation are required for graduate applications.
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy general and specific technical standards. Visit www.mcg.edu/sah/brt/meddos/standards.html to review these requirements
MCG participates in all federal student aid programs as well as state and private programs. MCG helps students fund their education through grants or scholarships, loans, a service commitment program and/or employment.
Radiation Therapy/Medical Dosimetry
Joint Review Committee on Education in
Radiologic Technology
20 N.Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
For best chance of acceptance, apply the fall before the program begins. All application materials should be in MCG’s Office of Academic Admissions by March 1. Applications completed after this date are considered on a space-available basis. Complete applications include the application, references, official academic materials, documentation of shadowing hours and documentation of professional certifications, if applicable. If accepted to the program, documentation of current CPR and First Aid certification is required.
Apply online at www.mcg.edu/Admissions, or contact:
Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building–Administration
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, Georgia 30912
Telephone: 706-721-2725
800-519-3388
E-mail: underadm@mcg.edu
Estimated Tuition and Fees
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For estimated tuition and fees, please see the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.
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