Certificate in Medical Dosimetry

The Profession

A medical dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment and planning equipment, is cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy and has the education and expertise necessary to generate radiation dose distributions and dose calculations. It is imperative that medical dosimetrists actively and openly communicate with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, and nurses, among other members of the team, to enable and ensure that appropriate transfer of information occurs. A medical dosimetrist must demonstrate an understanding of topics including, but not limited to, cancer, radiation biology, radiation therapy techniques, radiation oncology physics, equipment technology, radiation safety and protection, anatomy, physiology, mathematics, and psychosocial aspects of cancer.

The Program

UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a one-year training certificate program in Medical Dosimetry beginning the 3rd week of August. This Program is structured to include clinical as well as didactic training in all aspects of Medical Dosimetry. Our Program is one of the few nationally-accredited schools in Medical Dosimetry by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Further information regarding the program can be found on the JRCERT website.

Mission Statement

To provide students with the necessary knowledge and training required by the Profession so that on completion of the program they will be able to function independently, confidently and effectively as an entry-level medical dosimetrist in a clinical setting with minimal outside assistance.

Goals

• Students will understand didactic dosimetry knowledge. Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate a firm understanding of radiation physics and radiation biology. Graduates will express knowledge of medical dosimetry concepts competently.
• Students will develop critical thinking skills. Student Learning Outcome: Students will analyze and demonstrate sound problem solving techniques  in correcting unacceptable treatment plans. Graduates will be adequately prepared in critical-thinking and problem solving.
• Students will demonstrate clinical competence in medical dosimetry. Student Learning Outcome: Students will develop a treatment plan that provides target coverage and normal tissues sparing. Graduates will indicate that they were prepared to perform medical procedures competently.
• Students will demonstrate communication skills. Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills. Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills.
• Students will gain professional development and growth skill in medical dosimetry. Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the importance of continued professional development. Students will understand their professional obligation to medical dosimetry profession.

Accredited By:

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
mail@jrcert.org

Accredited for 8 years through 2029