Programs
Medical Physics
Our clinically focused, two-year program is designed to prepare students to pursue residency training and a career as a clinical medical physicist. We are looking for students who are eager to use their technical knowledge to improve patient care through imaging and treatment. Our faculty includes imaging physicists, therapy physicists, radiobiologists, and oncologists who are dedicated to preparing our students for a rewarding career in medical physics. We have designed this program to feature a strong background in the fundamentals of radiation physics, medical imaging, and radiation therapy, with hands-on practical rotations that allow students to engage with equipment and techniques that they will encounter throughout their careers.
Information about faculty and research can be found on the Medical Physics website.
AdmissionsLink to section
Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section
Successful candidates have a strong background in undergraduate physics, but do not need to have been physics majors. Computer or data science, imaging science, engineering, chemistry, and biology majors are all good fits for our program. Experience with image manipulation, object-oriented programming, machine learning, and radiation physics will all be considered as an additional boon to any potential candidate. Past publications or research efforts will be factored in to the strength of any application.
Our ideal candidate is motivated with a strong background in science and computation, and has some basic research experience. They are looking to be involved clinically and to pursue a residency in medical physics. They want to become familiar with a wide range of clinical technologies and techniques, and to perform projects that will have a direct impact on the excellent care we provide to our patients at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in physics or in a closely related field such as natural science or engineering (GPA greater than 3.0 out of 4.0 preferred), and must have the equivalent of at least three non-introductory physics courses* that would be suitable for a minor in physics.
*Courses can be substituted if the applicant can demonstrate equivalence with a letter from the course instructor and a copy of the course syllabus. An official transcript must be submitted for verification.
Applicants must submit:
- A personal statement no longer than two pages that:
- Describes their motivation for pursuing graduate study in medical physics
- Includes career and academic goals
- Discusses experience in physics
- Three professional or academic reference letters
AcademicsLink to section
Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section
The program requires 41 credit hours of graduate-level work, which includes thesis research and clinical rotation credit. The program is 4.5 semesters, with students taking five credits over the summer semester. Students shall complete a thesis describing their original work.
Graduate Course TitlesLink to section
- MP 401: Physics of Radiation Therapy
- MP 402: Journal Seminar
- MP 403 Physics of Medical Imaging
- MP 410: Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- MP 421: Radiation Dosimetry I
- MP 422: Radiation Dosimetry II
- MP 423: Radiation Protection, Safety, and Regulation
- MP 424: Radiation Detection and Measurement
- MP 425: Brachytherapy
- MP 431: Computational Method
- MP 432: Advanced Topics in Radiation Therapy
- MP 441: Radiation Biology
- MP 495: Independent Research
- MP 501: Clinical Dosimetry Rotation I
- MP 502: Clinical Dosimetry Rotation II
- MP 503: Clinical Physics Rotation I
- MP 504: Clinical Physics Rotation II