• Medical Jobs
+234 909 1403 251
HealthFlex
×
  • Home
  • Medical Courses
    • Bioinformatics
    • Social Work
    • Veterinary Medicine
    • Public Health
    • Pharmacy
    • Nursing
    • Medical Laboratory Science
    • General Medicine
    • Dentistry
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Chemistry
    • Biology
  • Medical Study
    • Medical Study Program in Canada for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in China for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in Germany for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in Lithuania for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in Philippines for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in Romania for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in Russia for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in Turkey for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in UK for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in Ukraine for Nigerian Students
    • Medical Study Program in USA for Nigerian Students
  • Blog/News
  • Latest Offers
  • Gallery
  • Contact

Becoming a Medical Dosimetrist

Becoming a Medical Dosimetrist
August 24, 2019AGNES JOSEPHStudy abroad

When a cancer patient requires treatment with radiation, a radiation oncologist will prescribe the course of therapy. But a healthcare professional known as a medical dosimetrist will actually calculate the precise dose of radiation to make sure the tumor gets a large enough dose to destroy the tumor while sparing the normal tissues. Dosimetrists also determine the frequency and duration of treatment.

Job Responsibilities and Required Skills

Dosimetrists typically work in a hospital or cancer center as part of a medical team that includes radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, oncology nurses, and medical physicists.

Radiation therapy usually requires daily doses over the course of several weeks, depending on the type and location of the cancer. The total dose is usually divided into smaller doses called fractions. Most patients get radiation treatments daily, five days a week for five to eight weeks. Weekend rest breaks allow time for normal cells to recover. The total dose of radiation and the number of treatments is based on:

  • The size and location of the cancer
  • The type of cancer
  • The reason for the treatment
  • The patient’s general health
  • Any other treatments the patient is receiving

The most common type of radiation is external beam radiation. A machine called a linear accelerator (or “linac”) is used to aim high-energy rays (or beams) from outside the body into the tumor. There are many other techniques and types of equipment that may be used, depending on the individual patient’s needs. Stereotactic radiosurgery, for example, is a special type of radiation treatment that gives a large dose of radiation to a small tumor area, usually in one session. It’s used for brain tumors and other tumors inside the head. In some cases, a head frame or shell may be used to help keep the patient’s head still. Once the exact location of the tumor is known from brain scans, radiation is sent to the area from many different angles.

Another type of radiation is brachytherapy. With this procedure, radioactive material is placed inside the body near the site of the tumor, in the form of small pellets; this is often used for prostate cancer and some breast cancers.

Many of these treatment plans and techniques are very complex, so a dosimetrist must be well-versed in all the available technologies.

Requirements to Become a Medical Dosimetrist

Dosimetrists must be critical thinkers and be able to analyze data and implement a course of therapy based on images and measurements. Strong math skills are required, as these professionals verify the accuracy of calculations in determining the precise dosage of radiation after pinpointing the location of the tumor.

Additionally, dosimetrists must have strong technical skills, as they are often responsible for ensuring the calibrations and functionality of medical equipment used in radiation therapy. Technology is constantly changing in radiation oncology, requiring a dosimetrist to keep up with evolving treatment methods.

Often it’s registered radiation therapists that will pursue further education to become a medical dosimetrist. However, some candidates simply have a bachelor’s degree with physical science pre-requisites. (Physics topics relevant to dosimetry touch on fundamental particles, strong and weak nuclear forces, electromagnetism, and radioactive decay. In a biology program, you study the structure, behavior, life cycle, and evolution of living organisms.)

The next step is to apply to a Medical Dosimetry JRCERT accredited program, which will last at least 12 months. Classroom-based courses address medical imaging, cross-sectional anatomy, radiation physics, cancer biology, and radiation oncology. You will also need to participate in supervised clinical practicums to help you get hands-on experience working with patients and planning radiation treatments.

Upon completion of this year-long program, you can apply to take the certification exam from the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) and earn a CMD (Certified Medical Dosimetrist) designation. Previously, there was a path to certification based on clinical experience, but as of 2017 only graduates from the 12-month accredited programs who hold a bachelor’s degree can take the certification exam. The CMD certification exam consists of 155 multiple-choice questions in nine subject areas, including treatment planning, dose calculation. and radiation physics.

Job Prospects

Specific figures for medical dosimetrists aren’t available, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 14 percent increase in job opportunities for radiation therapists from 2014-2024; this growth is thought to be due to the expanding population of elderly patients and improvements to the safety of radiation therapies. Hospitals and physicians’ offices are your best bets for employment, although there may also be opportunities with long-term care facilities and outpatient care centers. 

In December 2018, Salary.com reported that the average salary for a radiation dosimetrist in the United States was $115,209, but the range typically falls between $105,238 and $125,277. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on your education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years spent in the profession.

Article Source:

  • American Cancer Society. External Beam Radiation Therapy. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/radiation/external-beam-radiation-therapy.html
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Radiation Therapists. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm
  • International Atomic Energy Agency. What is Dosimetry and Why is it Important for Cancer Treatment? http://www-naweb.iaea.org/na/news-na/na-what-is-dosimetry.html

Add Comment Cancel


Recent Posts

  • Best Locations for Kinesiology Jobs Abroad
  • A Guide to Studying Public Health Abroad
  • 7 Different Types of Insurance in the Netherlands
  • Benefits of Working as a Psychologist Abroad
  • A Guide on Studying Metallurgy Degrees

Recent Comments

  • AGNES JOSEPH on Pathways to Canada Permanent Residence
  • Anita Musa on Pathways to Canada Permanent Residence
  • Anita Musa on Canadian Open Work Permit Requirements
  • AGNES JOSEPH on Exploring Medical Careers Abroad
  • Anita Musa on Exploring Medical Careers Abroad

Archives

  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • September 2015

Categories

  • Latest Offers
  • Medical Abroad
  • Medical Conference
  • Medical Jobs
  • Medical Tourism
  • News
  • Study abroad
  • Uncategorized

Categories

  • Latest Offers
  • Medical Abroad
  • Medical Conference
  • Medical Jobs
  • Medical Tourism
  • News
  • Study abroad
  • Uncategorized

Archives

  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • September 2015

Text Widget

Fugiat dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, mauesris condime ntum nibh, ut fermentum mas justo sitters amet risus. Cras mattis cosi sectetut amet fermens etrsaters tum aecenas faucib sadips amets.

Calendar

August 2019
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Jul   Sep »

Medical Travel is a Nigerian based specialized medical platform that assist Individuals with medical education and treatments.

+234 909 1403 251, +234 803 4383 061

info@medicaltravel.ng

Office: i172, Road 5, Ikota Shopping Complex, VGC, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

Quick Links

  • Contact
  • Medical Study
  • Medical Jobs
  • Medical Tourism
  • FAQ

Latest News

  • 7 Different Types of Insurance in the Netherlands May 20

    There are many different types of insurance in the Netherlands....

  • Austria: How the Healthcare System is Structured May 17

    Healthcare in Austria is primarily public, with the option to...

  • Who Needs to See a Psychiatrist? May 16

    A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental...

Copyright ©2019 all rights reserved
Designed by Webplanet Consulting & Services