As a Program Director of an accredited medical dosimetry program, I have fielded many questions from prospective students over the years. It always amazes me how future dosimetrists find out about the field, with each story being as unique and individual as they are.

Although the reasons behind a prospective candidate’s desire to enter the field may be different, I find their questions about the field to be thoughtful and consistent. Since the pandemic, the structure and style of education have evolved almost as rapidly as the profession itself.

In this article, I hope to answer some of the frequently asked questions that I have received over the last 20 years in the academic field of medical dosimetry.

Can You Become a Certified Medical Dosimetrist Through an Online Program?

Let’s start with how to become a certified medical dosimetrist and work backward. Dosimetrists are certified through the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB). To sit for the examination, you must fulfill certain criteria.

For domestically located candidates, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• Be a graduate of a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)-accredited medical dosimetry program.

Fortunately, any JRCERT-accredited program requires a bachelor’s degree before entry, or this requirement would be fulfilled during the program. Therefore, it is safe to say that the JRCERT  website should be one of the first places to look at when trying to find an appropriate program.

Fig.1 – Steps to Become a Certified Medical Dosimetrist

Currently, there are 17 JRCERT-accredited programs nationwide, each providing different pathways to success in acquiring the certification. Of the accredited programs:

• Nine teach through distant education. *
• Four have both didactic courses and clinical rotations completed through distance education. *

Successful graduates from one of these online programs are eligible to sit for the board exam to become certified medical dosimetrists.

It is advised that the entire curriculum may not be delivered via distance education and that the program may also deliver courses face-to-face. Contact the program for more information.

What Does an Online Medical Dosimetry Program Typically Include?

All medical dosimetry programs include:

• Didactic coursework (theory-based learning).
• Clinical rotations (practical, hands-on experience).

The American Association of Medical Dosimetry (AAMD) is the professional society that supports and promotes the medical dosimetry and treatment professions.

One of the ways they offer support is by providing programs with:

• Curriculum guidelines.
• Necessary competencies required for program completion.

The best way to ensure that your program complies with the AAMD curriculum and competency guidelines is to attend a JRCERT-accredited medical dosimetry program.

Which Institutions Offer Reputable Online Dosimetry Programs?

When looking at JRCERT-accredited programs, check for:

• The program’s JRCERT award letter.
• Statistics of successful student graduation and job placement.
• The graduates’ passing rate on the MDCB board exam.

This will give you an indication of how well students perform in each individual program.

How Do Clinical Rotations Work in Online Dosimetry Programs?

For questions regarding online clinical rotations, prospective students should reach out to each program for specifics as there may be individual differences between programs.

Do Students Need to Arrange Their Own Clinical Placements?

This varies by program:

• Some medical dosimetry programs have affiliations with specific clinics, where students will rotate.
• Others allow students to find a clinic closer to home, and then an affiliation agreement can be obtained as needed.

Clinical affiliations can be done at:

• Hospitals
• Satellite facilities
• Standalone treatment centers

The most important aspect of a clinical rotation is that it provides a quality learning environment where students can train in a safe facility while maintaining the integrity of the affiliated program.

What Are the Advantages & Challenges of Studying Dosimetry Online?

Advantages:

Flexibility – Students can take classes and complete clinical rotations from anywhere.

Challenges:

Self-discipline is crucial – Students must stay engaged in coursework without in-person supervision.

How Does an Online Medical Dosimetry Program Prepare Students for Remote Work?

More and more dosimetry positions are changing their clinical staffing model to include remote or hybrid work.

Success in an online medical dosimetry program thoroughly prepares candidates for remote roles, as they already have experience studying in a remote environment.

Are There Specific Certifications or Licensing Requirements After Completing an Online Program?

There are no additional requirements for students after completing an online JRCERT-accredited medical dosimetry program.

Once a graduate is eligible to sit for the MDCB exam, the process is the same as for those trained in a residential (in-person) program.

Are Employers Open to Hiring Graduates From Online Programs?

Employers understand that there are multiple pathways to medical dosimetry. Their primary concerns are:

• The program is JRCERT–accredited.
•  The candidate is eligible for or has passed the MDCB board exam.
•  The graduate has completed all clinical competencies and is proficient in medical dosimetry.

Key Takeaways – Choosing the Right Medical Dosimetry Program

When selecting a program, ensure that it is:

• JRCERT-accredited or in the process of accreditation.
•  Successful in graduation and job placement rates.
•  Consistently producing high MDCB exam pass rates.

The JRCERT website provides links to individual accredited programs for more information.

Final Note: Whether you attend a fully online, hybrid, or residential program is a personal choice. Choose the learning environment that best supports your success.

Watch: How to Choose the Right Medical Dosimetry Program?

Still unsure about selecting the right medical dosimetry program? Watch this expert insight from AAMD Foundation to understand what factors to consider when making your decision.