Program Overview

Advanced Graduate Certificate in Medical Physics

About

The Certificate in Medical Physics is designed to provide individuals holding terminal degrees in physics or a closely related field with the didactic coursework required for eligibility to enter radiation therapy physics residency programs. This is a two-semester certificate offering courses in basic radiation sciences and clinical medical physics. The Certificate is accredited by CAMPEP.

Accreditation

The Certificate is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP).

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Certificate in Medical Physics will:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles associated with the clinical use of both ionizing and non-ionizing radiations.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the operation of radiation producing and detecting devices commonly used in therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
• Have an understanding of the basic computational principles associated with therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
• Have a complete understanding of the wide-ranging clinical duties of therapeutic and diagnostic medical physicists.
• Be capable of effectively communicating technical information in both oral and written form.
• Be prepared to pursue a lifetime of self-directed learning and professional development.

Career Possibilities

Medical physicists are typically employed in:

• Hospitals
• Imaging centers
• Radiation oncology centers
• University medical centers
• Industry

Requirements

Plan Description

The Certificate in Medical Physics is designed to provide individuals holding terminal degrees in physics or a closely related field with the didactic coursework required for eligibility to enter medical physics residency programs. This is a two-semester certificate offering courses in basic radiation sciences and clinical medical physics.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Hold a terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in physics or a closely related field.
• Have an overall GPA of 3.00 in graduate work.
• Preferred composite score of 310 or higher on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
• Successfully complete an anatomy and physiology course. Applicants not meeting the anatomy and physiology requirement may still be admitted to the program, however, this prerequisite deficiency must be completed during either the first or second semester of study.
• All applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Plan Requirements

• Total Credits Required: 24

Course Requirements

• Required Courses – Credits: 24
  • HPS 602 - Radiation Detection
  • HPS 703 - Radiation Interactions and Transport
  • HPS 720 - Radiation Dosimetry
  • HPS 730 - Advanced Radiation Biology
  • HPS 740 - Medical Imaging Physics
  • HPS 742 - Radiation Therapy Physics
  • HPS 676 - Sectional Anatomy
  • HPS 742L - Therapy Physics Clinical Rotation and Lab

Certificate Requirements

• Completion of a minimum of 24 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
• Students in the Certificate in Medical Physics must adhere to the Six-year Completion Rule.
• No credit may be used in an advanced certification program for course work completed more than six calendar years immediately preceding the term in which all certificate requirements are completed.

Documents/Downloads

• Plans of Study
• Syllabi
• Degree Worksheets
• Careers
• Graduate Handbooks
• Additional Downloads
• Related Links

Contacts

Graduate Coordinator

• Steen Madsen, Ph.D.
• Professor and Chair

Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences

• The department of health physics and diagnostic sciences within the School of Integrated Health Sciences provides a high-quality educational experience for undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of health physics; medical physics; comprehensive medical imaging; radiochemistry; and radiography.

School of Integrated Health Sciences

• With many degree offerings that are accredited by national organizations, the School of Integrated Health Sciences offers dynamic classroom instruction, laboratory/clinical practice, research, and mentoring. Our students develop skills that help them break into health-related fields and further their graduate or professional studies.