Medical Dosimetry
At a Glance
Medical Dosimetry
Medical Dosimetry is part of radiation oncology. Under the direction of a medical physicist, Medical Dosimetrists utilize dedicated computers to design and calculate radiation plans for the treatment of cancer. A CT scan of the patient generates data which will be used in the treatment planning process. The dosimetrists work closely with the physician, physicist and radiation therapist. People in this profession typically work nine-hour workdays, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., mainly working at a console, with a highly specialized computer.
Medical Dosimetrists work directly with critically ill inpatients and outpatients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. In addition to the actual treatment planning, the dosimetrists may assist in the fabrication of beam modifying and immobilization devices individualized for each patient.
According to Mark Reid, past president of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD), the demand for medical dosimetrists grows every time a new cancer center opens, making dosimetry a stable, well-compensated career.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Department of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences and the Medical Dosimetry Program is to provide a comprehensive education preparing students for entry-level practice into medical dosimetry, as competent, caring professionals, cultivating professionalism and life-long learning.
Medical Dosimetry Concentration within Your Degree
Dual-Concentration students cannot take Medical Dosimetry in their first year. Interested Dual-Concentration students must take Radiation Therapy their first year, as a prerequisite to Medical Dosimetry.
Students must consult an admissions counselor or a Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences faculty member when choosing concentrations, to help make sure that the combination you choose is the best option for your future career. Acceptance into your second-year concentration of Medical Dosimetry is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended those interested in this concentration visit the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) webpage.
Goals
Students will acquire the knowledge, insight and skills necessary to perform competently as entry level dosimetrists.
Student Learning Outcomes
1A - Demonstrate the ability to develop precise 3D treatment plans
1B - Demonstrate the ability to develop precise IMRT plans
1C – Demonstrate the ability to develop deliverable SBRT Plans
Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in making decisions about treatment planning/calculations for the care of the radiation oncology patients.
Student Learning Outcomes
2A – Students will accurately critique their treatment plans and modify/develop it into an optimal treatment plan
2B – Comparison of different modalities/techniques (evaluating the effect of changes in grid size matrices)
Students will communicate effectively when interacting with patients and members of the radiation oncology team.
Student Learning Outcomes
3A – Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills
3B – Students will use effective oral communication skills
Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.
Student Learning Outcomes
4A – The students will successfully pass a quiz after reading an assigned peer-reviewed article
4B – The students will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in a clinical setting
4C – The students will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in a classroom setting
Certification Exams
All BS graduates are eligible to take the associated certification examinations of the organizations that oversee their concentration of study. Students who pass these examinations receive national certification. Dual-Concentration students may not be able to take board exams until they receive their BS.
More information on the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB)
Program Effectiveness
The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information.
Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within the next testing cycle after graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Credentialing Examination Rate | Number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation | ||
| Year | Results | ||
| Year 1 | 2019 | 9 of 9 | 100% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 7 of 9 | 78% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 4 of 8 | 50% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 4 of 5 | 80% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 6 of 8 | 75% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 30 of 39 | 77% | |
Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Job Placement Rate | Number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation | ||
| Year | Results | ||
| Year 1 | 2019 | 9 of 9 | 100% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 11 of 11 | 100% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 7 of 7 | 100% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 7 of 7 | 100% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 6 of 6 | 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 40 of 40 | 100% | |
Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%.
| Program Completion Rate | Number graduated divided by number that started the program | |
| Year | Results | |
| Year 1 | 2023 | 6 of 6 |
| Annual Completion Rate | 100% | |
*Data from Program Director (updated annually).
Data collected October 2024.
The JRCERT has defined “not actively seeking employment” as:
1) graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts OR
2) graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation OR
3) graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours OR
4) graduate is on active military duty OR
5) graduate is continuing education.
Accreditation
Medical Dosimetry
The Medical Dosimetry Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182 312-704-5300 Email: [email protected]
The program's current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.