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Online Degree Programs in Medical Dosimetry
Online Degree Programs in Medical Dosimetry
Earning a degree in medical dosimetry can train you to help cancer patients by developing treatment plans and administering radiation doses that are calculated for safety and efficacy. Read on for more information on the degrees you can pursue online and get information about common course topics and certification options.
What Online Options Will I Have?
Online medical dosimetry degree programs are very rare; only master's degree programs can be found online, and these are uncommon. In an online program, you'll take your lecture-based courses online while simultaneously completing clinical requirements. To complete your master's degree in medical dosimetry, you'll need to be employed or seek a clinical internship at a medical center or hospital that has been approved by your college or university. This allows you to continue working full-time or gain practical experience, while completing your degree.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Degree Options</b></td><td> Master's degree programs can be found, but are uncommon</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Course Topics</b></td><td> Radiation equipment, theories and trends in medical dosimetry, clinical practice</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Degree Prerequisites</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree in a related field with certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or a bachelor's degree in a related field with additional coursework completed prior to enrolling in the online master's degree program</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> Required through the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $86,850 (<i>for all radiation therapists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all radiation therapists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>To become an expert in medical dosimetry, you'll need to take courses in how to safely and appropriately administer radiation to cancer patients. This will involve learning to use radiation equipment, gauge doses of radiation and correctly angle radiation treatments. You'll also study the latest theories and trends in medical dosimetry; this will include research-focused work that will prepare you to write your own papers for publication or prepare presentations.
</p><p>In your clinical experiences, you'll take the theories and concepts you learned in the classroom and apply them in a live or simulated setting. You'll complete these requirements concurrently with your classes. This allows you to practice what you're learning and to develop competencies in all aspects of medical dosimetry.
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisites">Are There Any Prerequisites?</h3><p>To enter a master's degree program in medical dosimetry, you'll need to have earned registered radiation therapist (RT) status from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and hold a relevant bachelor's degree. Alternatively, if you're not an RT, you can apply with a bachelor's degree in a field related to medical dosimetry and complete additional coursework. Coursework that you'll need to have completed for admission includes human anatomy and physiology, biology, college mathematics, biology and medical terminology. You'll also need a background in patient-focused health care work and documented time observing medical dosimetrists.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCertificationOptionsExist">What Certification Options Exist?</h3><p>If you're not already an RT, you'll need to become one prior to working as a medical dosimetrist. At the conclusion of your medical dosimetry degree program and after six additional months of clinical experience, you can take an exam to become a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) though the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB). To further bolster your credentials, you can also join a professional organization in the field, such as the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD).</p>
