How to Become a Physicist in Medicine
- 1). Obtain an Undergraduate Degree
An undergraduate degree should include a Bachelor degree majoring in physics along with courses in computer science and anatomy. A good background in physics is required including both theoretical and experimental coursework.
Computers are used throughout a healthcare setting. A medical physicist is responsible for the accuracy of the data transfer from one system to another when it involves patient treatment information. This responsibility requires more than basic computer skills.
Medical physicists who practice in radiation therapy review treatment plans that are completed using CT scans. This review includes reviewing radiation dose to critical structures in the treatment area. A physicist who works as a radiation safety officer may be asked to calculate the dose a fetus received when the mother had to have an emergency CT scan for a life threatening situation. In order to complete these tasks, knowledge of anatomy is required.
If you are a full time student, it will take about 4 years to complete your Bachelor degree majoring in physics. - 2). Find a Medical Physics Graduate Program
Around the end of the second year of undergraduate study, you should start to look for a graduate program in medical physics. It is important to start looking early because the requirements for admission are different for each program depending on their focus and level of degree, master or PhD.
See the resources below for a list of accredited graduate programs in medical physics. It is important to find an accredited program to fulfill certification eligibility requirements.
Master programs usually take 2-3 years depending if a thesis and/or clinical rotation is included in the coursework. PhD. programs vary based on your dissertation requirements and take longer than master degree programs. - 3). Find a Residency or Post-doctoral Position
New graduates from a Medical Physics Graduate program often don't have the clinical training needed to work solo. Residency and post-doctoral positions follow guidelines to give a new graduated this training in 1 to 2 years. During your graduate study, find a residency or post-doctoral positions. Some of these positions begin their application process a year before the position starts and they are very competitive.
See the resources below for a list of residency and post-doctoral positions in medical physics. - 4). Find a Job
The first medical physics position you accept is the most important since it will set the direction of your career. If you are interested in doing research, than find a research position. If you are interested in a clinical setting, then find a clinical position. A word of caution... your first job should give you an opportunity to work in all aspects of the field and not in one special procedure. Find a good place to learn. - 5). Get Board-Certified by the American Board of Radiology
Board-certification is not a requirement to work by law but healthcare centers often look for candidates that are board certified or working toward certification. I suspect in the future it will be a requirement. It is a lengthy process but will enhance your resume for future positions and increase your salary.
A tidbit of information: This is the only NON-physician specialty that has a board-certification process that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
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