JRCERT-Accredited Program in Medical Dosimetry

Applying to the Program

The application deadline is December 1, for a start date of July 1, the following year. Individuals interested in applying to our program may download our required Application Form and Reference Forms and submit in-full before the deadline to be considered for admission. Prospective applicants may also find extensive information about our program in the Student Handbook. The Department of Radiation Oncology, under the auspices of the University of Maryland Medical Center, offers a one-year JRCERT-accredited certificate program in Medical Dosimetry.

Background

Medical dosimetry is the subspecialty of radiation oncology that focuses on treatment planning, dose measurement, dose calculations and quality assurance for radiotherapy treatments designed to treat cancer. The medical dosimetrist is an integral member of the "treatment team" that includes a radiation oncologist, a medical physicist and radiotherapy technologists.

Under the direction of the medical physicist and the radiation oncologist, the dosimetrist determines the beam arrangements, beam shapes, beam weights and beam energies that provide the highest-quality treatment plan. The dosimetrist also contributes to quality assurance and to the construction of special treatment devices. In addition, the medical dosimetrist plays an important role in brachytherapy procedures, providing technical assistance and completing any necessary calculations.

Overview of the Program

The University of Maryland Medical Center School of Medical Dosimetry is a one -year, certificate program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312-704-5300
FAX: 312-704-5304
mail@jrcert.org
www.jrcert.org

Accreditation of our program has been effective since May 10, 2007. In 2018, our program was re-accredited by the JRCERT for a total of 8 years, until 2026.

The Department of Radiation Oncology, under the auspices of the University of Maryland Medical Center, opened the School of Medical Dosimetry in 2001. As of 2022, the University of Maryland program has celebrated 47 dosimetry graduates, and is one of only 14 accredited programs in the U.S. Students of this program are University of Maryland Medical Center employees, not students of the University of Maryland. Our one-year program combines an extensive curriculum with hands-on training to prepare our students for a career in medical dosimetry.

Information on our curriculum is provided in our Dosimetry Program Handbook. Our program provides each graduate who completes all competencies a Certificate of Completion. We are not a degree-granting program. Therefore, the School of Medical Dosimetry is not presently recognized as a degree-granting Higher Education Organization, or branch of such, by student loan managing agencies.

Course credits from our School of Medical Dosimetry cannot be counted towards a higher education degree from a higher education organization, nor can credits from other programs be counted by our program. However, to demonstrate our commitment to educational excellence, the University of Maryland Medical Center's School of Medical Dosimetry was previously recognized by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board, and is presently accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

JRCERT accreditation is part of the eligibility requirements by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board and our program fulfills this requirement. However, the applicant, student or graduate are urged to contact the MDCB with questions of eligibility at any time.

Additional Information for Prospective Applicants and Current Students

Admission Policies

Our admission policy is designed to find the best match of student interest, achievement and ability, with our own program's objectives, goals and plan of assessment and development. We do not favor one group of applicants, race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, age, gender or sex. Similarly, we do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, age, gender or sex, or economic status. We only favor the applicants that are best suited to enter the program based on their academic excellence, interest in our program and professional commitment and achievement. Such metrics are evaluated from the applications submitted, the recommendation letters and the applicants' performance during an onsite interview.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Maryland Medical Center is actively committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunity in all of its programs. It is the goal of the University to assure that women and minorities are equitably represented among the faculty, staff and administration of the University, so that its work force reflects the diversity of Maryland's population.

All employment policies and activities of the University of Maryland Medical Center shall be consistent with federal and state laws, regulations and executive orders on nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap, marital status and veteran status. Sexual harassment, as a form of sex discrimination, is prohibited among the work force of the University.

Credit Transfer

The University of Maryland Medical Center School of Medical Dosimetry is not a degree granting higher education organization. Hence, we do accept transfer of credits or provide credits that can be transferred to higher education organizations for degrees granted by those institutions.

Appeal Process

Students are expected to be in good standing in the program to continue employment and complete the one-year program. Good standing includes non-complaint of behavioral or professional misconduct. Complaints are resolved through an appeal process. The appeal process is only available to full-time employees of UMMC, after an initial 6 week probationary period, which starts on the first day of employment. The guidelines and regulations of the appeal process are set by the policies governing employees of the University of Maryland Medical Center. The appeal process is part of a due-process procedure. Due-process procedures provide students with an unbiased avenue to pursue complaints or grievances and the opportunity to be heard in a timely manner. The appeal process is available to students after their initial probationary period as hospital employees.

Information for non-US nationals and non-permanent-US residents

Student visas, working visas or work permits are not sponsored by our program in behalf of applicants who are not permanent residents or citizens of the US.

Additional Resources for Current Students of the School of Medical Dosimetry

You may learn about policies for timely resolution of complaints, by accessing the employee handbook within our hospital system intranet )accessible only to employees and students of our program). This webpage is essentially your portal to hospital employee services.

Allegations of non-compliance with educational standards can be forwarded to the director of the program, or to hospital administration. Questions about our curriculum; admission policies, transfer of credits, tuition and fees, refund policies, academic calendars, acadaemic policies, graduation requirements, student services not answered in this webpage, or in our handbook can be obtained by contacting the program director.

Mission, Objectives, Goals and Outcomes

Mission

“To provide world class education and training in medical dosimetry and provide competent dosimetrists to serve the needs of the community in the treatment of patients with radiation”

Objectives

1. Provide education and expertise in medical dosimetry through didactic and clinical instruction
2. Foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem solving in the rapidly changing world of science and technology
3. Promote a commitment to patient care and professional development

Goals & Outcomes:

Goal 1: Students will graduate as clinically competent dosimetrists.

Student Learning Outcome:

1. Students will be able to design usable plans for external beam radiotherapy including 3D conformal radiotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy
2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of image-guided radiation therapy as it applies to planning and treatment

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate the critical thinking skills required for medical dosimetry.

Student Learning Outcome:

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physics and radiobiology of radiation therapy
2. Students will be able to sufficiently respond to questions from staff dosimetrists, physicists, and physicians regarding their treatment plans

Goal 3: Students will effectively communicate within an interdisciplinary radiation oncology team.

Student Learning Outcome:

1. Students will effectively communicate with doctors, physicists, and dosimetrists
2. Students will display effective oral communication skills
3. Students will display effective written communication skills

Goal 4: Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner and practice the ideals of professional growth and lifelong learning.

Student Learning Outcome:

1. Graduates will demonstrate lifelong learning
2. Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner

Goal 5: Students will graduate as entry-level dosimetrists.      

Student Learning Outcome:

1. Students will obtain a job in the field of medical dosimetry
2. Students will take the CMD board examination within one year of graduation
3. Students will be feel prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level dosimetrists
4. Students will complete the program within 12 months
5. Students will pass their CMD board exams within two years of graduation
6. Employers will be satisfied with the performance of graduates

Program Effectiveness Data

• Program Effectiveness Data
• For more information regarding program effectiveness data visit the JRCERT website.

JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312-704-5300
FAX: 312-704-5304
mail@jrcert.org
www.jrcert.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the program offer?

The program prepares qualified applicants for a career in medical dosimetry. Graduates of our medical dosimetry program are eligible for national certification by the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board after 6 months of additional clinical experience. The latter 6 month clinical experience requirement is stipulated by the MDCB, is outside of the control of the School of Medical Dosimetry, and is subject to change at any time. Applicants and students should contact the MDCB with questions regarding this timeline.

Only two students are accepted into the program each year. This ensures that each student receives ample personal attention and can work closely with our dosimetrists and physicists.

How long is the program?

Our medical dosimetry program is 12 months long. It starts July 1, and ends June 30, of the following year.

What are the objectives of the program?

• Provide an education that facilitates the mastery of entry-level dosimetry skills through didactic and clinical experiences.
• Provide an orientation to the range of health care settings in which dosimetrists practice.
• Foster continued development of critical thinking, analysis and problem solving.
• Promote a commitment to community and professional service.

How is the department situated and how is it staffed?

Our department has four facilities, one at our main campus in Baltimore City within the University of Maryland Medical Center, at 22 S. Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201. We have a proton center that is part of the main campus and three outreach clinics in Maryland. Thus, we staff 10 radiation oncologists, 11 PhD level physicists, and over a dozen medical dosimetrists. Students will spend over 50% of their time at our main campus facilities. Students gain experience in creating treatment plans for our patients being treated on the latest Varian linear accelerators, each equipped with portal and Onboard Imaging. We also have a robust and active brachytherapy program, and students are exposed to HDR, LDR, Gammapod Dosimetry procedures.

What are the admission requirements?

Trainees must hold a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science Degree, with minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (preferably with at least one year of physics coursework), or have a Bachelor’s Degree AND be a graduate of an accredited Radiation Therapy Program. All applicants must have completed post-secondary instruction in the following areas:

• Basic mathematics including algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus
• Basic physics
• Oral and written communication
• Biology
• Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
• Computer competency

What does the curriculum include?

The curriculum includes didactic lectures, laboratory exercises and clinical instruction. Information on our curriculum is provided in our Student Handbook.

When is the deadline for accepting applications?

Applications are accepted through December 1, for each upcoming year, and classes begin on July 1, of the next year. Interviews with selected candidates are scheduled between February 1, and March 15, of each year.

Are students of your program considered students of the University of Maryland?

No. Under the contract provided to each student, a student joins our organization as a Hospital Employee of the University of Maryland Medical Center. Students are thus, not students of the University of Maryland. Instead, students receive a Certificate of completion from the School of Medical Dosimetry. We do not grant a higher education degree. As a result, students cannot carry credits over to other programs that yield degrees from Higher Education Organizations. For example, the time spent at the Dosimetry School in our Department cannot be carried over to credit a Bachelor's, Master's, associate, or doctoral degree from University of Maryland. For further questions on this matter, the students or applicants may contact the program director at stewartbecker@umm.edu. 

Where can I obtain more information about medical dosimetry?

• The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists 
• Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board 

For additional questions regarding the program, please contact:

Stewart Becker, PhD (he/him)
Associate Professor
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Director, Dosimetry Training Program
Department of Radiation Oncology
22 S Greene St. 
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 328-7463
stewartbecker@umm.edu  

or

Keona Davis (she/her)
Administrative Coordinator
University of Maryland
Department of Radiation Oncology
22 S. Greene St., Suite GGJ02
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 328-2323
Fax: (410) 328-2618
keonadavis@umm.edu