Medical dosimetrists calculate and administer radiation doses to cancer patients, working with a team of healthcare professionals. They can train through a college or hospital program, on-the-job training with a degree, or as a certified radiotherapy technologist. Certification is required, and ongoing education is recommended. The job requires math and physics skills and patient interaction.
There are several routes one can take to become a medical dosimetrist. All possible routes culminate in a certification exam where the candidate demonstrates that they have the necessary skills and training to practice safely. After becoming certified, many medical dosimetrists also join professional organizations to gain access to continuing education, trade journals with new information about the field, and a network of peers.
The medical dosimetrist is an important part of the team of healthcare professionals who deliver radiation oncology to patients. When someone is diagnosed with cancer and the primary physician believes that radiation treatments would be beneficial, the patient is referred to a radiation oncologist, who writes a prescription. The medical dosimetrist is responsible for calculating how and where the dose will be administered, with the aim of targeting the cancer and minimizing harm to the patient. Calculations are mainly performed with a computer.
To become a medical dosimetrist, one can take a two-year training program through a college or hospital. It is also possible to train on the job for two years with a Bachelor of Science degree, or receive four years of on-the-job training with an Associate of Science degree. A certified radiotherapy technologist can also become a medical dosimetrist, taking two years of on-the-job training. All of these routes require the candidate to develop core skills that include knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, an understanding of how radiotherapy works, and proficiency with computer systems used in medical dosimetry.
After someone completes their training, it is possible to take a certification exam. Some students like to extend their training before taking the exam to become a medical dosimetrist, to confirm that they have as much information as possible so that they feel confident practicing independently and without supervision. After passing the exam, the dosimetrist will need to recertify periodically, demonstrating that he or she is still competent.
Someone wanting to become a medical dosimetrist should be aware that the job requires a lot of math and physics, with accurate calculations being critical because small errors can translate into major complications for the patient. It is also necessary to interact with patients on a regular basis. Many medical dosimetrists accompany their patients to medical imaging studies so that they can learn about the details of the patient’s condition and also talk with the patient about treatment expectations, discuss side effects, and work with the rest of the medical staff to keep the patient comfortable.
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