Overview

Overview

Medical Dosimetry Program

The medical dosimetrist, in collaboration with the radiation oncologist and medical physicist, performs calculations and designs treatment plans that maximize dose to the target, while minimizing dose to nearby healthy tissues. Medical dosimetrists must be knowledgeable of radiation oncology simulators, treatment machines, and brachytherapy. The medical dosimetrist coordinates tumor localization CT, MRI, and/or PET when indicated. The dosimetrist performs in-vivo dosimetry, supervises radiation therapists, and assists with brachytherapy procedures.

Cleveland Clinic's Medical Dosimetry Program offers a one-year training program to meet the demand for qualified dosimetrists. Graduates receive certificates, which qualify them to apply for the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) examination. The Medical Dosimetry Program is a hospital-based program; therefore, college credit is not earned for participation in this program.

Accreditation

Apply

Apply

How to Apply

Application Information

Please Note:

  • Submit official transcripts from college(s) and the radiation therapy program
  • Submit a copy of your resume
  • Obtain at least three reference (see applicant letter of recommendation)
  • Interview with the Department of Radiation Oncology Admissions Committee
  • Pass a criminal background check – prior conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may prevent you from being eligible for the MDCB examination
  • Pass Cleveland Clinic's health screening which includes substance abuse testing
  • Transfer credits not accepted

Additional Program Information

Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities, on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability, and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

Mission, Goals & Outcomes

Mission, Goals & Outcomes

The Mission of the Medical Dosimetry Program is to prepare students to provide accurate, state of the art planning for the radiation oncology patient's treatment. The goal of the program is to provide the profession and community with qualified medical dosimetrists. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

  • Goal 1
    Perform competently as an entry level medical dosimetrist in a variety of clinical settings.
    • Student Learning Outcome
      • Accurately performs treatment planning procedures
      • Accurately constructs treatment plans
      • Performs competently as an entry level medical dosimetrist
      • Prepared for an entry level position
  • Goal 2
    Demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills utilized in the practice of medical dosimetry.
    • Student Learning Outcome
      • Accurately performs SAD calculations
      • Accurately performs dosimetry procedures
      • Demonstrates problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Goal 3
    Communicate effectively with oncology patients and professional staff.
    • Student Learning Outcome
      • Interacts well with staff, patients, and families in a respectful, pleasant, and professional manner
      • Consults with physicians to obtain approval of treatment plans
      • Communicates effectively
  • Goal 4
    Demonstrate professional development and growth
    • Student Learning Outcome
      • Cooperative and receptive to new ideas, seeks information to clarify duties, assumes responsibility for actions
      • Willing to take instruction, discipline, guidance, and direction.  Accepts constructive criticism in a positive manner.
      • Demonstrates professional development and growth
      • Identifies professional organizations and websites.  Describes Dosimetrists Code of Ethics.  Plans for participation in professional organizations.
  • Goal 5
    Provide profession and community with qualified medical dosimetrists
    • Student Learning Outcome
      • Completes program successfully
      • Successfully completes MDCB Board examination
      • Secures employment as a dosimetrist
      • Employers would hire another Cleveland Clinic graduate
Program Effectiveness Data & Requirements

Program Effectiveness Data & Requirements

This data is reported to the JRCERT annually and is available at www.jrcert.org.

Minimum Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission the applicant must have a:

  • Baccalaureate Degree
  • ARRT registration in Radiation Therapy

Must have completed the following college level or equivalent prerequisite courses with a grade of ‘C' or above:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Cross-Sectional Anatomy
  • Physics
  • Introductory or Pre-Calculus or the combo of College Algebra and Trig

Physical Requirements/Technical Standards:

  • Manual dexterity and the ability to participate in assisting patients on and off treatment couches
  • Requires standing, sitting, and walking for extended periods of time
  • Must lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds
Contact

Contact

Susan Carlton
Program Coordinator
Radiation Oncology (CA-50)
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
Phone: 216.445.8692
Email: carltos1@ccf.org

Matthew Kolar, MS
Program Director, Medical Dosimetry Program
Radiation Oncology (CA-50)
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44195

Application period: September 1, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Program start date: July 26, 2023