Program Overview
Medical Dosimetry Program
The Medical Dosimetry program is part of radiation oncology, where Medical Dosimetrists utilize dedicated computers to design and calculate radiation plans for the treatment of cancer under the direction of a medical physicist.
At a Glance
- College: College of Health Professions
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Campus: Center City
- Format: On Campus
Medical Dosimetrists work closely with physicians, physicists, and radiation therapists, typically working nine-hour workdays, mainly at a console, with highly specialized computers. They work directly with critically ill inpatients and outpatients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and may assist in the fabrication of beam-modifying and immobilization devices individualized for each patient.
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
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 ensure the combination is the best option for their future career.
Goals
Goal #1: Clinical Performance & Clinical Competence
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
Goal #2: Problem Solving Skills & Critical Thinking
Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in making decisions about treatment planning/calculations for the care of radiation oncology patients.
- Student Learning Outcomes: 2A. Students will accurately critique their treatment plans and modify/develop them into an optimal treatment plan 2B. Comparison of different modalities/techniques (evaluating the effect of changes in grid size matrices)
Goal #3: Communication Skills
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
Goal #4: Professional Development & Growth
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.
Program Effectiveness
The program's effectiveness is measured by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) through the following data:
- Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) certification examination.
- 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.
- Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length.
Credentialing Examination Rate
| Year | Results |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 of 9 (78%) |
| 2021 | 4 of 8 (50%) |
| 2022 | 4 of 5 (80%) |
| 2023 | 6 of 8 (75%) |
| 2024 | 6 of 6 (100%) |
| 5-Year Average | 27 of 36 (75%) |
Job Placement Rate
| Year | Results |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 11 of 11 (100%) |
| 2021 | 7 of 7 (100%) |
| 2022 | 7 of 7 (100%) |
| 2023 | 6 of 6 (100%) |
| 2024 | 7 of 7 (100%) |
| 5-Year Average | 38 of 38 (100%) |
Program Completion Rate
| Year | Results |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 of 8 (100%) |
Accreditation
The medical dosimetry program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), with a current accreditation award of 8 years.