Dosimetrist (or Radiation Therapy Dosimetrist)

A dosimetrist is a member of a radiation oncology team who specializes in radiation therapy treatment. A dosimetrist is trained in the physics of any radiation treatment. Dosimetrists design radiation therapy for patients suffering from a variety of diseases or disorders, including cancer. Dosimetrists are responsible for calculating and devising complex treatment plans with doctors and medical physicists to assist in treating a patient. In clinical cases of cancer, a dosimetrist carefully determines a dose of radiation to best destroy a tumor/tumors while sparing normal tissues, thereby developing case specific treatment plans customized for each patient.

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How To Become a Dosimetrist

An aspiring dosimetrist must possess strong oral and written communication skills. The ability to think critically with strong analytical skills are absolute must-have qualities of future dosimetrists. Potential dosimetrists must be able to work closely with a team of other medical professionals to develop and execute technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics. A dosimetrist must be proficient with computer operations, the function of medical equipment, and all aspects of radiation oncology. Dosimetrist candidates must be patient oriented as well as psychologically prepared to work closely with cancer patients. An innate sensitivity and empathy toward patients living with cancer and under stress is a requirement of dosimetrist candidates, as well as physical fitness with the ability to stand for long periods of time and the strength to move disabled patients, are also requirements of a dosimetrist.

A high school educational background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English, health, and physical education are required to pursue advanced degrees as a dosimetrist. The Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board endorses several college level programs to assist in training and certification of aspiring dosimetrists.

Most colleges require future dosimetrists to have specialized training as licensed radiation technologists before beginning training as a dosimetrist within the field of specialized radiation oncology. A first year student pursuing a career as a dosimetrist must enroll in a radiation technologist program. General courses including English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, public speaking, and physics are requirements of first year students. Second year candidates focus on specialized courses in radiation safety and regulations, radiography, human anatomy and physiology, mathematics, computer science, physics, biology, chemistry, medical terminology and general health care.

A prerequisite of any candidate pursuing a career as a dosimetrist is successfully attaining at least one year of experience as a radiation technologist or successfully completing a bachelors degree program in physical sciences. Courses of study to further a career as a dosimetrist include physics, mathematics, human anatomy and physiology, computer science, and radiobiology. Following certification as a radiologic technician, an applicant must then complete an interview with an accredited admissions committee and is selected on a competitive basis to further career goals as a dosimetrist. Many programs require candidates to perform observations within medical dosimetry to ensure understanding of the profession and finalize career goals as a dosimetrist. Following an observation period and selection by administration for medical dosimetry, candidates begin an intensive training program using complex mathematical formulas to calculate proper radiation doses. A one year long, intensive classroom training, combined with clinical observations allows candidates to familiarize with equipment, procedures, and methodology used in dosimetry. Six months of clinical practice qualifies candidates to take the Certified Medical Dosimetrist examination. If candidates pass the CMD test, the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board will certify candidates. One full year of clinical experience with a qualified radiation oncology team allows candidates to become a full time member of a radiation oncology team as a dosimetrist.

Radiation therapists, with career goals of becoming a dosimetrist, are required to be licensed by accrediting boards within 33 states. Though requirements vary by state, most programs require applicants to pass American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) certification examinations. The ARRT requires candidates to complete accredited radiation therapy program, conform to ARRT ethical standards, and pass ARRT certification exams regarding radiation protection and quality assurance, clinical concepts in radiation oncology, treatment planning, treatment delivery, patient care, and patient education. ARRT certification examinations require a clinical practice aspect of patient care activities, simulation procedures, dosimetry calculations, fabrication of beam modicification devisces, low volume and high risk procedures, and the application of radiation. Continuing education requirements of 24 course credits related to radiation therapy every two years as well as maintaining ARRT established ethical standards and paying annual dues are requirements upon certification renewal. Individual state licensing offices allow further information pertaining to certification requirements and renewal.

A dosimetrist has the potential to earn a salary of $75,450 yearly after successfully completing educational and certification requirements.