How to Become a Medical Dosimetrist

Learn the Requirements for Medical Dosimetrist Jobs

Medical dosimetrists are part of a hospital’s radiation oncology team. They are fully knowledgeable about the use of radiation and radiation oncology treatment equipment and machines for patients diagnosed with cancer. Before you can become a medical dosimetrist you must undergo special medical career training and education; if you're interested in distance learning options, you can now complete this education through an accredited online college.

Some of the functions of a medical dosimetrist are:

  • Calculate the exact dose of radiation to be applied on a tumor.
  • Develop treatment plans in order to eliminate the tumor yet protect the normal tissues.
  • Work with other medical professionals like radiation oncologists, medical physicists and other certified medical dosimetrists in coming up with the best treatment plan for each patient.

Certification

The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) is mainly responsible for granting and issuing certificates to medical dosimetrists. They conduct the examinations that test the capabilities of candidates in the field of dosimetry. MDCB is the sole governing body that is tasked to assess a candidate’s qualifications for holding the position of certified medical dosimetrist. The board will also review the moral, ethical as well as the professional standing of the candidate.

Becoming a Certified Medical Dosimetrist

According to the MDCB, there are three routes a candidate can take to become a certified medical dosimetrist.

  1. Route 1: Before March 1, 2010, candidates must complete a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredited program plus six months clinical medical dosimetry experience under the supervision of a certified medical dosimetrist, radiation oncologist or medical physicist. Or, they need to accomplish an 18 month (or more) JRCERT certified program before March 1, 2010.
  2. Route 2:Candidates for the medical dosimetrist job are normally registered radiation therapists. If not, they should at least have a bachelor’s degree with physical science pre-requisites. Examples of these pre-requisite courses are:
    • Physics
    • Biology
    • Anatomy
    • Chemistry
    • Physiology
    • Medical terminology
    • General health care
    • Pre-calculus or calculus mathematics
    • Computer science

    In Route 2, you will need at least two years of experience in clinical medical dosimetry. This involves creation of treatment plans for patients under radiation oncology. A medical physicist, radiation oncologist or clinical medical dosimetrist must supervise the candidate. The applicant must also complete 12 CE MDCB approved credits during the two year experience.

  3. Route 3: Completion of an Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in any subject and three years of clinical medical dosimetry experience is also acceptable. Completion of 12 CE MDCB approved credits is also required in this route. However, do note that route 3 will be abolished by year 2013.

Here are some other skills you must have to work medical dosimetrist jobs:

  • Understand radiation safety and regulations.
  • Have a good working knowledge of the technical side of radiation oncology and medical physics.
  • Interpret and carry out treatment plans.
  • Be a team player who can work closely with the members of the radiation oncology team as well as other members of the hospital staff.
  • Have good communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Have excellent analytical skills, especially in evaluating critical data.
  • Have a good grasp of math and anatomy.
  • Have knowledge and experience with computer operations.

Cancer patients benefit from highly capable and professional board certified medical dosimetrists. As a member of a hospital’s radiation oncology team, a medical dosimetrist is expected to be proficient in planning and implementing radiation therapy for patients diagnosed with cancer. The science of medical dosimetry requires accurate calculations and the precise use of radiation technology machines and equipment. To become a medical dosimetrist means that the only acceptable margin for error is zero. Good luck with your medical training and becoming a health care professional.