Medical dosimetry involves calculating and
measuring radioactive treatments for cancer patients that meet the
physician's requirements and ensure that radiation levels remain
acceptable. While online degree programs in medical dosimetry are rare,
there are a few master's degree options for students with experience in
related fields as well as for certified medical dosimetrists.
Online Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry Overview
Due to the need for clinical practice settings set forth by the Joint
Review Board on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), accredited
dosimetry programs cannot exist entirely online. However, there are
programs that offer students the opportunity to complete online
coursework for their master's degree while fulfilling on-site clinical
requirements. Practicing medical dosimetrists can pursue a master's
degree completion program, while those with related experience can
complete a full master's degree. Students in the online Master of
Science in Medical Dosimetry program develop deeper theoretical and
practical knowledge of radioactive medicine.
Entry into either a full or completion dosimetry master's program
online requires students to have an existing bachelor's degree in a
related field, such as radiologic technology, radiation therapy or
physics. For the completion program, students must be certified medical
dosimetrists, while the full master's program is open to radiation
therapists. The master's completion program can be completed in under
two years; the full master's takes between 2-3 years. Both programs
emphasize advanced coursework and research, clinical experiences and
completion of a professional portfolio.
Courses are delivered online synchronously - at a designated time -
through a classroom management system that offers class discussion
forums and other interactive learning methods. Streaming video may also
be used to deliver lectures. Because of this, students need a computer
with high-speed Internet access.
List of Common Dosimetry Courses
The courses may vary depending on whether the student is in the full
degree program or the degree completion program, but some courses are
included in both. The curriculum combines online coursework with on-site
fieldwork. Students may be able to complete the fieldwork at their
workplace or at a site designated by the college.
Professional Issues in Medical Dosimetry Course
Students are introduced to the field of medical dosimetry. Topics
include practice standards as well as ethical and legal issues. This
course is offered in both the full degree program and the completion
program.
Dosimetry Research Methods Course
This course is for students in either program to learn the standards
and principles for conducting research in the health sciences field.
Students develop a research topic and prepare an original document for
professional review.
Anatomy in Medical Dosimetry Course
This class examines how the patient's course of treatment is
determined by anatomical function and structure. Students learn to
identify parts of anatomy on CT scans, MRI images and radiographs. This
course can be taken in either the completion or full degree program.
According to August 2010 data from
Payscale.com, dosimetrists
earn an average salary between $73,706 and $101,437 per year. The
American Association of Medical Dosimetrists projects strong career
growth in the field, due to advances in treatment planning that require
an increase in skilled dosimetrists (
www.medicaldosimetry.org).
Graduates of full master's programs can seek entry-level clinical
positions in dosimetry, while graduates of completion programs can seek
leadership roles in health care administration or education, as well as
in clinical practice.
Graduates of full M.S. in Medical Dosimetry degree programs have two
paths to certification. Those who completed JRCERT-accredited programs
that lasted from 12-18 months can take the exam offered by MDCB if they
acquire six months of clinical experience in the field before the exam
application deadline (
http://www.mdcb.org). Programs of 18 months
or longer meet the exam qualifications without the additional clinical
experience requirement. Once certified, dosimetrists must complete a
certain number of approved continuing education credits in order to
maintain certification.
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