Medical Dosimetry

Medical dosimetrists use advanced knowledge of anatomy, medical physics, radiobiology, and mathematics to create radiation treatment plans for cancer patients. As members of the radiation oncology team, they work closely with radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation therapists to develop precise treatment plans that maximize tumor control while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue.

Learn more about the profession through the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD).

Choose your path

UWL offers two tracks in its Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry program. Both tracks begin with online coursework in the fall semester, followed by a clinical internship from January through December. In addition to the core medical dosimetry curriculum, students complete advanced professional and research coursework that prepares them for career advancement. Graduates are eligible to sit for the MDCB certification exam, and the program meets JRCERT accreditation standards.

• Track A is designed for students who are already credentialed radiation therapists and want to advance into medical dosimetry.
• Track B is ideal for recent graduates or career changers seeking entry into the medical dosimetry profession. 

Students complete coursework online while gaining in-person practical experience through clinical internship placements located throughout the U.S. Students who are already radiation therapists often complete clinical training at their current place of employment if approved as an affiliate internship site.

The program tracks effectiveness data on an annual basis, which is reported to the JRCERT for accreditation purposes in an annual report. 

• 100% job placement rate
  All students in the 2024 cohort secured employment after graduation.
• Excellent certification exam pass rates
  Among the 2024 cohort, 97% of graduates passed the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) exam.
• 100% program completion rate
  All students in the 2024 cohort completed the program.

The UWL medical dosimetry program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182. Phone: 312.704.5300, email: mail@jrcert.org

• The program's current award is eight years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found on the JRCERT website. 
• The university is accredited at the institutional level by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Evidence-based practice is a central component of the program. Through practicum and research experiences, students learn to evaluate emerging techniques and contribute to advancements in patient care.

Faculty encourage students to present and publish their research through professional organizations and publications, including opportunities with the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists and journals such as Medical Dosimetry.

Because students participate from locations across the country, the online learning environment brings together a wide range of professional experiences and perspectives. This collaborative setting enhances classroom discussions, clinical learning, and research experiences while preparing graduates for modern interdisciplinary healthcare environments.

The program is committed to the education of medical dosimetrists who are knowledgeable, competent, and dedicated to their profession and their patients.

Goals & Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

1. Students will demonstrate clinical competence in medical dosimetry.
   1. SLO: Students will contour anatomy proficiently.
   2. SLO: Students will create a treatment plan to meet given prescription and dose constraints.
2. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
   1. SLO: Students will apply effective oral communication skills.
   2. SLO: Students will apply effective written communication skills.
3. Students will use critical thinking skills to practice in current and emerging technology.
   1. SLO: Students will examine factors that affect dose distribution.
   2. SLO: Students will identify safety concerns and respond appropriately.
4. Students will use graduate-level skills in medical dosimetry.
   1. Students will implement principles of protocol planning.
   2. Students will develop a manuscript at graduate-level rigor.