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. All didactic courses are completed in-person at Cleveland Clinic. Some didactic lectures require synchronous interactions with program faculty via Distance Education with Microsoft Teams. All clinical rotations are completed in-person at Cleveland Clinic. 

Accreditation

The medical dosimetry program is accredited by the: 

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312.704.5300
Email:mail@jrcert.org

The program's current award is Probation. General program accreditation information and current accreditation award letter can be found here. 

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 references (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
  • Decisions for accepted candidates will be based on: 40% application materials including academic history and performance, relevant experience, and recommendations - 60% interview including clinical fit, technical skills and overall impressions. 

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
    Demonstrate competence as an entry level medical dosimetrist.
    • Student Learning Outcome
      • Students will produce clinically acceptable treatment plans 
      • Prepared for an entry level position
  • Goal 2
    Demonstrate critical thinking.
    • Student Learning Outcome
      • Develop problem solving skills
      • Comparison of different treatment modalities and treatment techniques
  • Goal 3
    Communicate effectively and professionally.
    • Student Learning Outcome
      • Students will use effective oral communication skills
      • Students will use effective written communication skills
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
  • Some lectures may be given synchronously through Microsoft Teams
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, 2024 – January 31, 2025
Program start date: July 30, 2025