Answer to Question #3489 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

I have a question regarding the subtle differences between medical physics and health physics. I currently have a bachelor's degree in radiation therapy and have worked in therapy for several years. I want to work as a physicist in a radiation therapy department. Despite my undergraduate background in physics, chemistry, and calculus, it seems as though most medical physicists have a background in physics also. Despite my radiation experience, the impression I have is that I could not get into a program such as this because I lack a literal physics degree. Upon researching health physics I have noticed the curriculum is similar but individuals accepted into health physics come from a more diverse background (such as allied health, etc.). Is this true? Also, you answered previously that many medical physicists can assume the role of a health physicist. Can it ever be the other way around . . . can a person with a health physics degree cross train over into a medical physics department?

A

While you are correct that the majority of students in graduate medical physics (MP) programs do have undergraduate degrees in physics, this is not always the case. Engineering students are perhaps the second most common students entering graduate programs in medical physics. In addition, MP programs do admit students with most general science degrees, including chemistry and biology, but only after proper articulation of undergraduate mathematics (through differential equations) and physics (through modern physics). Many programs also require at least one programming course (C++ for example, not courses in word processing or spreadsheet programs). For terminal degrees such as yours in radiation therapy, the problem would most likely be the level of coursework at your undergraduate institution. For example, was your physics sequence (two semesters + modern physics) calculus based or algebra based? Most MP programs would require the former. What has worked well with many of our prospective students is direct correspondence a year prior to their formal application. For example, advisors can look at your undergraduate coursework and discuss with you exactly where you may or may not be deficient, and what articulation courses might be required. My suggestion is to contact specific programs you might be interested in and discuss your specific situation with the graduate coordinator or program director. I don't believe there is any specific difference in the background of students applying to medical physics versus health physics graduate programs. Physics and engineering are both common, but as noted above, other general degree programs provide adequate preparation for graduate studies.

You are correct in stating that in the 1980s and early 1990s many MP graduates might have assumed the role of a health physicist and vice versa. However, there is now a strong push toward accreditation of MP degree programs, and students are strongly encouraged to attend only accredited programs. (See the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs, Inc., Web sites.) It is increasingly important to have graduated from an accredited MP program, especially with respect to certification by the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Medical Physics. Accreditation of HP graduate programs (in this case by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) has only been in existence a few years, and certification by the American Board of Health Physics does not at present require graduation from an accredited HP graduate program. The other route is to seek a graduate degree in HP or general physics and then seek admission to an MP residency program. The problem with this approach is that there are very few residency programs at present, and they mostly admit students with PhD degrees. It is best that you decide up front your career goals (HP or MP) and seek admission to a graduate degree program in that area. Again, proper guidance on articulation courses, well in advance to your application, can make all the difference. Best of luck with your decisions!

Wesley E. Bolch, PhD, PE, CHP