To become a medical dosimetrist, a person can take a variety of paths. All of the paths lead to a certification exam, in which the candidate demonstrates that he or she has the necessary skills and training to practice safely. Many medical dosimetrists join professional organizations after earning their certification 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 member of the team of healthcare professionals who provide patients with radiation oncology. When a patient is diagnosed with cancer and their primary physician believes that radiation therapy would be beneficial, they are referred to a radiation oncologist, who writes a prescription. The medical dosimetrist is in charge of calculating how and where the dose will be delivered, with the goal of minimizing damage to the patient while targeting the cancer. The majority of calculations are done on a computer.
A two-year training program at a college or hospital can lead to a career as a medical dosimetrist. With a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, you can train on the job for two years, or with an associate’s degree in the sciences, you can train for four years. By completing two years of on-the-job training, a certified radiation therapy technologist can also become a medical dosimetrist. All of these paths necessitate the development of fundamental skills, such as knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, an understanding of how radiation therapy works, and proficiency with medical dosimetry computer systems.
It is possible to take a certification exam after someone has completed their training. Before taking the exam to become a medical dosimetrist, some students like to extend their training to ensure that they have as much information as possible so that they can practice independently and without supervision. After passing the exam, the dosimetrist must recertify every few years to show that he or she is still competent.
A medical dosimetrist should be aware that the job necessitates a significant amount of math and physics, with precise calculations being critical because small errors can result in major complications for the patient. Interacting with patients on a regular basis is also required. Many medical dosimetrists accompany their patients to medical imaging studies to learn more about the patient’s condition. They also talk with the patient about treatment expectations, discuss side effects, and collaborate with the rest of the medical team to keep the patient comfortable.