Radiation Sciences is an important component of healthcare. Increased opportunities for career advancement in this field are frequent, depending on your skills and education. From X-rays, treatment and therapeutic modalities, diagnostic scans and images, a Master’s in Radiation Sciences can help you advance your skills and profession. Depending on your education, certification and licensure, employment in a variety of clinical settings as a radiation therapist is available. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests job increases with a radiation sciences master’s are at 7% between 2019-2029, which is much faster than other professions.
The programs in this ranking include radiologic sciences as well as medical/health physics.
Best Health Degrees has researched schools that are accredited by U.S. Department of Education agencies such as the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP), the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), or regional agencies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Financial aid is available with the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for qualified students.
Our Method: Ranking the 25 Best Radiation Sciences Master’s Programs
To rank the 25 Best Radiation Sciences Master’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked online degree programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
1. Georgia Tech
One of the top research universities, Georgia Tech has a Master of Science Degree in Medical Physics you can complete in 40 credit hours.
The radiation sciences master’s curriculum follows guidelines set out by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and is designed with a thesis and non-thesis option. Among the courses offered are Radiation Therapy Physics, Medical Health Physics, Radiation Biology and Oncology, Nuclear Medicine Physics, Radiation Dosimetry, Radiation Physics, and a clinical rotation. Clinicals are conducted in three areas: Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging, and Radiation Therapy with sites at Emory University’s hospital or Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.
Admission to this George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering program requires you have either an undergraduate degree in physics or engineering or science with a physics minor. A 3.0 GPA is required along with GRE scores. You’ll also need to apply to the Georgia Tech Graduate Program.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,064-$29,140/academic year
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks all of Georgia Tech’s engineering programs in the top 10 best in the nation
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2. Columbia University
This Master of Science in Medical Physics is offered either full-time or part-time and will prepare you for certification by the American Board of Radiology. The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) accredits this master’s program.
Included in the core radiation sciences master’s curriculum are studies in Introduction to Nuclear Science, Health Physics, Anatomy for Physicists & Engineers, Radiation Therapy Physics, Fundamentals of Radiological Physics & Radiation Dosimetry, and others. Two practicums are required for this degree chosen from Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, or Health Physics. You can also opt to complete a supervised internship. Prior to beginning your practicum, you’ll be required to take an online course that will allow you to be HIPAA-certified. You’ll also study ethics online. Your program will culminate with a comprehensive exam.
You need a BS or BA in physics, applied, or one of the physical sciences for admission. GRE scores are required and the Physics GRE is recommended. Applications are required by February 15 and require letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, academic transcripts, and an $85 nonrefundable application fee. More documents may be requested.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $47,600/per academic year
Fast Fact: The Engineering Department ranks #14 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Engineering Schools in 2021
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3. University of Pennsylvania
Through the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, you can earn a Master of Science in Medical Physics which serves as a bridge between physics and clinical medicine.
Blending theory, research, ethics, and clinical application, the curriculum includes Radiological Physics, Introduction to Radiation Protection, Physics of Medical/Molecular Imaging, Physics of Radiation Therapy, Radiation Biology, Radiation Detection and Measurement, Biomedical Image Analysis, Professional Development Seminar, etc. You’ll also complete electives, professional seminars, laboratory time, and thesis research. The program emphasizes professional development and mentorship. The clinical practicum concentrates on radiation safety, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, or diagnostic imaging.
You need an undergraduate degree in physics, physical sciences, or engineering to make an application. The GRE test is optional, but you’ll need to provide academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, as well as a resume and a personal statement.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $36,254/academic year
Fast Fact: Niche considers the University of Pennsylvania #10/1,619 in its Best Colleges in America
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4. Duke University
North Carolina’s premier university offers an MS in Medical Physics that is Council on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs (CAMPEP) accredited.
Radiation sciences master’s courses will include Radiation Protection, Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Physicists, Radiation Biology, Diagnostic Medical Physics, Radiation Therapy Physics, and more. Advanced topics offer Clinical Dosimetry and Commissioning, Brachytherapy and TBI/TSI, Advanced Ionizing-based Imaging, Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, Fundamentals of Biostatistics, and more. Practicum experiences are required in clinical, professional, and academic.
You’ll need to submit GRE scores, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, as well as letters of recommendation. There’s a $95 nonrefundable application fee.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $55,680/per academic year
Fast Fact: Forbes placed Duke University #9 in its 2019 Top Colleges ranking
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5. Purdue University
You can choose either a thesis or non-thesis option with the M.S. in Health Physics through the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University.
The non-thesis radiation sciences master’s degree requires 33 credit hours and the thesis option requires 30 hours. Regardless of your option, you’ll take core courses in topics such as Medical Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering Principles, Radiation Science Fundamentals, Statistical Methods, Radiation Instrumentation Laboratory, Radiation Biology, Physical Agents in Environmental Health, and more. You’ll also participate in Graduate Seminars and Industry Internships (nonthesis M.S.). Thesis tracks students will complete Thesis Research.
The school also offers a CAMPEP-accredited M.S. Medical Physics with a robust curriculum designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the applied use of physics in clinical treatments.
Admission to the graduate program will include submission of an application with a $60 nonrefundable fee, academic transcripts, as well as GRE/GMAT test scores.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,208-$28,010/per academic year
Fast Fact: Purdue University ranks in the top 20 in Top Public Schools and Most Innovative Schools categories of U.S. News and World Report
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6. University of California San Francisco
You may want to explore the Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging (MSBI) at UCSF if you have an interest in an advanced education in research methods and biomedical imaging.
The radiation sciences master’s curriculum calls for core studies in Image Processing and Analysis, Principles of MR Imaging, Image Processing and Analysis, Imaging Probes for Nuclear and Optical Imaging, Imaging Study Design, and Imaging Laboratory, as well as electives. Elective coursework includes MR Pulse Sequences, Vascular Imaging, Musculoskeletal, Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging, Cancer Imaging, and others.
You need an undergraduate degree in science or engineering to apply for this degree. Additionally, academic transcripts are required and, while not required, GRE/GMAT scores are recommended. There’s a $105 application fee and you’ll be asked for a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, as well as an explanation of your research experience.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,442-$26,544/per academic year
Fast Fact: UCSF ranks #16 in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging according to U.S. News and World Report
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7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
If you want to work as a Radiologic Assistant, this M.S. in Radiologic Science can be accomplished in 24 months.
This is a hybrid program, with online and “web-based instruction with a radiologist-directed clinical preceptorship.” There are one to two, on-campus seminars required each semester. Your radiation sciences master’s curriculum will include Abdominal Imaging and Procedures, Advanced Pathophysiology, Musculoskeletal Imaging and Procedures, Advanced Pathophysiology, Thoracic Imaging Principles, and four Practicum experiences. The program is accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and is intended to prepare you to assume more responsibility as you work with clinicians and patients.
To qualify for admission, you must have a current ARRT certification, a baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 GPA, and a minimum of one year of work experience in medical imaging. Other documents you’ll submit include a non-refundable $95 application fee, academic transcripts, resume, and letters of recommendation. You don’t need GRE/GMAT test scores.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,552-$28,278/per academic year
Fast Fact: Niche considers UNC-Chapel Hill #7/676 in its Top Public Universities in America ranking
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8. Vanderbilt University
If you’re looking for a master’s degree in Medical Physics, you’ll want to explore the graduate program at Vanderbilt University. You can opt for either a thesis or a non-thesis track.
This is an interdisciplinary program drawing on faculty expertise from Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine, College of Arts and Sciences, and Schools of Engineering. You can choose between diagnostic medical physics or radiotherapy medical physics. Both avenues require studies in Radiation Biophysics, Physics of Medical Imaging, Radiation Interaction and Dosimetry, and Anatomy/Physiology for Medical Physicists. Both tracks require a clinical practicum.
Among the prerequisites required for admission are an undergraduate degree in physics, engineering, physical science, or applied physics, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and general GRE scores (the GRE Advanced Physics exam is not required). Additionally, you’ll need to submit an application, academic transcripts, academic/professional letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a non-refundable fee.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $48,624/per academic year
Fast Fact: Vanderbilt is recognized in several categories of U.S. News and World Report‘s categories of Best Value Schools, Most Innovative Schools, as well as Best Value Schools, among others.
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9. University of Wisconsin-Madison
You may want to examine the M.S. in Medical Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison if you’re looking for a program that concentrates on medical and health physics.
The radiation sciences master’s program requires 37-40 credit hours of study. The curriculum requires studies in Physics of Radiotherapy, Health Physics and Biological Effects, Radiation Physics and Dosimetry, Imaging in Medicine: Applications, Medical Image Science: Mathematical and Conceptual Foundations, Ethics, and others. The Medical Physics Department at UW-M is one of four in the U.S. that has an American Association of Physicists in Medicine Medical Radiation Research Center and the Accredited Dosimetry Calibration Laboratory. This M.S. program is accredited by CAMPEP.
This program only admits during the Fall and is highly competitive. An undergraduate degree in physics is preferred but the committee will also consider biomedical engineering, chemistry, nuclear engineering, or electrical engineering. GRE test scores are required as are letters of recommendation, personal statements, and academic transcripts. Other documents may be required as well.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,728-$24,054/per academic year
Fast Fact: UW-M ranks #13/676 in Niche’s Top Public Universities in America
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10. Washington University in St Louis
Offered through this Missouri university’s Department of Radiation Oncology, this is an M.S. in Medical Physics which holds CAMPEP accreditation.
Core classes for this radiation sciences master’s degree include Radiobiology, Clinical Imaging Fundamentals, Principles of Anatomy and Development, Radiation Protection and Safety, Ethics, Professionalism, and Current Topics, Radiological Physics and Dosimetry, etc. Additionally, a Clinical Project is required where you’ll complete a clinically-focused project working with a faculty member. There are thesis and non-thesis options for this degree and it accredited is by CAMPEP.
While admission requirements aren’t specifically displayed on the website, you can make an application online.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $54,250/per academic year
Fast Fact: Washington University in St. Louis ranks #20 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools
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11. Louisiana State University
Located in Baton Rouge, LSU’s Department of Physics and Anatomy has an MS in Medical Physics and Health Physics which is CAMPEP accredited.
The Medical Physics curriculum for this degree includes Radiation Detection Laboratory, Radiobiology, Introduction to Medical Imaging, Radiation Therapy Physics, Radiation Shielding and Accelerators, Clinical Principles of Radiation Therapy, Advanced Medical Imaging Physics, Seminar, and Thesis. You’ll also need to take a human anatomy course to satisfy the certification exam of the American Board of Radiology in radiologic physics. The Health Physics curriculum shares several of the same courses as the Medical Physics track and includes Environmental Radiological Evaluation and Remediation, Nuclear Facility Safety, as well as thesis research.
Admission to the Graduate School and Physics and Anatomy may include additional information beyond the standard GRE/GMAT test scores and letters of recommendation.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,132/per academic year
Fast Fact: In Forbes‘ 2019 rankings, LSU was rated as one of America’s Best Value Schools
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12. University of Buffalo
Here’s a CAMPEP-accredited M.S. in Medical Physics offered through the University of Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The program is designed for students pursuing research, clinical medical physics, or teaching.
Requiring 36 credit hours for completion, this radiation sciences master’s covers studies in Nuclear Medicine Imaging, Medical Physics, Radiotherapy Medphysics, Medical Imaging and Physiology, Professionalism and Ethics in Medical Physics, Radiation Biology, seminars, and Medical Physics Labs. With your advisor’s approval, you may take electives in mechanical and aerospace engineering, bio-surface science, neuroscience, biostatistics, and others. The program culminates in a written thesis or project with the guidance of your Major Professor and the Advisory Committee.
GRE test scores, academic transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, personal letter, application and fee are required for admission. Additionally, CAMPEP requires you to have either an undergraduate degree in physics or, at the minimum, a physics minor.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,310-$23,100/per academic year
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report rates UB #34 in its Top Public Schools ranking for 2020-21
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13. Johns Hopkins University
One of the country’s preeminent universities, Johns Hopkins offers a Master’s in Medical Physics through its Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science.
This new radiation sciences master’s program begins in the fall of 2021 and its CAMPEP accreditation is pending for this degree. Among the 38 credit hours of coursework, you’ll study Radiobiology, Radiation Protection and Safety, Medical Imaging Systems, Radiation Therapy Physics, Radiological Physics and Dosimetry, Radiological Physics and Dosimetry, Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH, and a six credit hour Research Project. Twelve hours of electives are required in topics such as image processing, nuclear medicine, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, X-ray imaging and Computed Tomography, and others.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $55,350/per credit hour
Fast Fact: Johns Hopkins is ranked #19 in Forbes’ America’s Best Value Colleges 2019
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14. Stony Brook University
CAMPEP accredits the Medical Physics graduate program at the Stony Brook campus through its Biomedical Engineering Department.
The school offers sub-tracks in Imaging Nuclear Medical Physics, Physics, and Oncology Physics. The 33-42 credit hours program uses a multidisciplinary approach and you’ll be required to take core coursework. Among those classes are Principles and Practice of Biomedical Engineering (BME), Radiation Physics, Medical Health Physics, Radiation Oncology Physics, Magnetic Resonance, Position Emission Tomography, Radiobiology, etc. Research rotations are also part of the curriculum.
You’ll apply to the Stony Brook University Graduate School, which requires an application, a $100 application fee, an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, as well as a letter of purpose, prior to making an application for the master’s program.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,310-$23,100/per academic year
Fast Fact: Niche ranks Stony Brook as #152/449 in its Best Colleges for Engineering in America
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15. San Diego State University
San Diego University has a long history of providing health and medical physics education and provides a Master’s program in Radiological Health Physics.
Designed to train students for a career working as a Medical Physicist in hospitals or the healthcare industry. The program is accredited by CAMPEP and is 30 credit hours in length. Among the core curriculum courses required are Nuclear Medicine Physics, Nuclear Instrumentation, Radiation Biology and Radiation Safety, and Radiological Physics. Elective topics available Physics of Diagnostic Imaging, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Diagnostic Imaging Physics Lab Rotation, Medical Image Processing, and more.
You’ll apply through Cal State Apply and send academic transcripts and GRE scores to the Graduate School Admissions Office. An application to the Medical Physics program is required by April 1st through Interfolio and provide letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and a personal statement.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,176-$16,680/per academic year
Fast Fact: SDSU is in the top 100 of Forbes’ rankings of America’s Best Public Colleges and America’s Best Value Colleges
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16. Boston University
The M.S. in Biomedical Imaging degree from Boston University is an amalgam of several disciplines and this program is designed for students from computer science, psychology, mathematics, neuroscience, and engineering.
You can complete this program in 12 months. The curriculum has two tracks in Clinical or Research Paths with core studies in Bioimaging Foundations, Radiation Protection and Ethics, Sectional Anatomy for Imaging Professionals, as well as Thesis and Practicum Design. The Clinical path requires an internship and the Research path calls for a research thesis. The department also offers a Combined Path option which requires 48 credit hours and takes two years to complete.
Along with the Graduate School Application and $95 application fee. Also, you’ll need to supply GRE test scores, a CV/Resume, a 200-word personal statement, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documents as requested. Boston University has rolling admission with applications accepted in the Fall and Spring Semesters.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $54,720/per academic year
Fast Fact: Boston University is rated in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools
17. University of Arizona Health Sciences
Arizona’s Master’s Degree in Medical Physics is CAMPEP accredited and is a collaborative program between the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Physics.
Among the topics you’ll study are classes in imaging physics, radiation safety, radiation oncology physics, radiation biology, radiation physics, and at least one business course. A key component of this curriculum is the internship in radiation oncology physics. The internship will provide you with hands-on experience with linear accelerator calibration, brachytherapy, treatment planning, external beam radiotherapy, etc. You’ll also be expected to conduct a research project, typically clinical in nature.
For admission, you’ll need a baccalaureate degree in health physics, nuclear engineering, physics, medical physics, or another engineering discipline. Additionally, GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,938-$32,065/per academic year
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks UA-Health Sciences in the top 100 Best Medical Schools in Research and UA is ranked #40 in its Top Public Schools
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18. University of Mississippi
Located in Jackson, Mississippi, UM’s Medical Center offers a M.S. in Magnetic Resonance Imaging which will qualify you to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
Among the courses included in this degree are Magnetic Resonance Imaging Foundations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Leadership, Education and Management, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Principles, and Clinical Practice. The University of Mississippi has arrangements with several healthcare facilities for clinical rotations. The curriculum requires 36 credit hours.
Requirements for admission include you holding (or being eligible for) AART registration, holding a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, submitting GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, being CPR certified, proof of a minimum of 8 observational hours in an MRI department, and an interview. Additional documentation may also be requested.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $13,092/per academic year
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Mississippi in the top 100 of its Top Public Schools
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19. University of Nevada Las Vegas
This master’s degree at UN-LV culminates in an M.S. in Health Physics. You have a choice between Environmental Health Physics and Medical Physics concentrations.
CAMPEP accredited, the program offers two options. Medical Physics requires 40 credit hours of curriculum and involves studies in Applied Nuclear Physics, Radiation Dosimetry, Radiation Detection, Radiation Physics and Instrumentation Laboratory. Core studies examine Ethics, Radiation Therapy Physics, Medical Imaging Physics, as well as Sectional Anatomy. The program ends with either a thesis or a professional paper. You can also opt for Environmental Health Physics which follows similar coursework with core studies in Radiochemistry Laboratory, Advanced Health Physics, Introduction to Radioanalytical Chemistry, and Environmental Health Physics.
You’ll need to make an application and submit official transcripts, GRE test scores, and a baccalaureate in one of the basic sciences, health physics, or engineering. Additional documents will be requested as part of the admission process.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $5,459-$20,510/per academic year
Fast Fact: UN-LV is one of Niches’ Best Big Colleges in America as well as one of the Best Value Colleges in America
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20. Colorado State University
You’ll find a M.S. in Radiological Health Science offered through CSU’s Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences.
The program offers a specialization in Health Physics. You’ll take classes in Nuclear Instruments and Measurements, Radiation Public Health, Techniques in Radiation Dosimetry, Radiochemistry, Environmental Contaminant Modeling, Principles of Radiation Biology, Radiological Physics and Dosimetry, and others, for a total of 32-25 credit hours. A practicum experience is also required in the curriculum, as well as a thesis required for graduation. The program is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET.
To be eligible for admission, you’ll need to provide GRE test scores, an application along with a $60 fee, letters of recommendation, as well as academic transcripts. You’ll want to check with the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences for any other documents that might be required.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,520-$25,791/per academic year
Fast Fact: CSU is one of U.S. News and World Report’s 100 Top Public Schools
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21. Wayne State University
Located in Detroit, Michigan, Wayne State University’s School of Medicine offers an M.S. in Medical Physics that requires 31 credit hours of study and 3 credit hours of an Essay.
Among the curriculum offerings are studies in Imaging Physics, Physics of Radiation Therapy, Applied Radiobiology, Radiation Safety, Radiation Oncology Anatomy, Radiation Dosimetry, Introduction to Radiological Physics, Advanced Topics in Medical Physics, as well as Applied Radiobiology and others. Labs and seminars complete the didactic portion of the curriculum. You’ll also need to participate in a clinical internship at the Karmanos Cancer Center of Wayne State University.
Program prerequisites for admission include GRE scores, at least three semesters of calculus, and a baccalaureate degree in physics or engineering that includes at minimum three upper-level physics coursework. Graduate admission to this program is limited to five students each fall and the GRE is required.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $16,285-$35,274/per academic year
Fast Fact: Wayne State ranked #221 In Public Colleges by Forbes
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22. Thomas Jefferson University
If you’re looking for a program that you can complete in 24 months, you’ll want to look at the Master of Science in Medical Physics offered by Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University. (Note: the department is not accepting applications for this program during the 2021 entry terms.)
This program requires 57 credit hours in Radiation Physics, Introduction to Radiobiology, Healthcare Law and Ethics, Anatomy and Physiology (plus labs), Medical Imaging Physics, Diagnostic Imaging Physics, Applied Radiation Therapy, Statistical Methods for Data Analysis, etc. You’ll also complete labs, seminars, and capstone projects. The curriculum is designed for physics graduates wanting to work in radiation oncology and stresses professionalism, radiation safety, and ethics.
Because the department is not accepting applications for 2021, you may want to email the admissions office for the Graduate School for additional information.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $21,420/per academic year
Fast Fact: Thomas Jefferson University ranks #176 in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities
23. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
CAMPEP accredits the University of Massachusetts’ M.S. in Medical Physics and this collaborative program concentrates on therapeutic and medical imaging.
This 31-credit-hour degree takes two years to complete. Courses in the curriculum include studies in Nuclear Instrumentation, Radiation Interactions and Transport, Medical Imaging, External Dosimetry and Shielding, Monte Carlo Simulation of Radiation Transport, Advanced Radiation Therapy Physics, and others. You’ll be expected to complete a clinical internship, participate in seminars, and conduct thesis research, and write a publishable thesis paper.
You’ll submit academic transcripts, GRE test scores, and an application form with a nonrefundable application fee for graduate school admission. The department requires you to have academic credit in core physics courses, math, computer science and chemistry, biology, and anatomy are preferred. The application deadline is typically at the end of February.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,590-$26,370/per academic year
Fast Fact: Niche ranks UMass-Lowell as one of the Best Colleges for Physics in America as well as one of its Best Value Colleges
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24. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
You can earn your Master of Radiation Therapy in six semesters from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The program holds accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and will qualify you to sit for the national registry exam of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
This is a competency-based curriculum that will include classes in Human Anatomy, Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making, Technical Radiation Therapy, Medical Imaging, Clinical Radiation Oncology, Advanced Radiotherapy and Medical Physics, Health Law and Policies, Medical Dosimetry and Treatment Planning, as well as others. You’ll complete five clinical practicum experiences and a capstone project. The practicum will give you experience in patient care, radiation simulation, and treatment. The program is 86 credit hours in duration.
To be considered for admission to this program, you need to hold a baccalaureate degree either in health sciences or sciences with a minimum 2.7 GPA, submit GRE test scores, and complete an online application, essay, and three letters of recommendation. Additionally, you’ll have an on-campus interview.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $28,276-$64,019/per academic year
Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report recognizes UT Southwestern Medical Center as one of its Best Regional Hospitals (Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX)
25. East Carolina University
Within two years, you can complete the Physics Master of Science at this Greenville, NC university.
There are three areas of study in this program in Health Physics, Medical Physics, and Applied Physics. The degree is CAMPEP accredited and is a collaboration with the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Brody School of Medicine. You’ll take classes in Modern Electronics (with lab), Computational Physics (with lab), Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Health Physics, Biomedical Physics, Radiation Therapy Physics, Nuclear Medicine Physics, Physics of Medical Imaging (with lab), etc. You can opt to complete a research thesis or participate in a clinical study.
Students applying to the ECU Graduate School will pay a $75 non-refundable fee along with their application, letters of reference, either GRE/MAT/GMAT/MCAT test scores, resume, statement of purpose, etc. If you’re licensed, you’ll need to provide a copy of your license. Additionally, academic transcripts from all academic programs you’ve attended will be required.
Estimated Tuition Cost: $4,749-$17,898/per academic year
Fast Fact: Among other rankings, ECU rates #197/676 in Niche’s Top Public Universities in America
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Why Should I Get a Master’s in Radiation Sciences or Therapy?
Technological advances in medical diagnosis and treatment make a graduate degree in Radiation Sciences or Therapy a good career option. While you can become a radiology technician/technologist with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree from a radiation therapy program, a Master’s degree in Radiation Sciences can open new career avenues to you in expertise, administration, and/or management.
Careers in Radiologic Health Sciences, Medical Radiologic Physics, or in Medical Physics in professional practice are expected to grow by a faster than average of 7% between 2019-2029. Career radiation therapist’s salaries (according to PayScale and the BLS) range from Medical Physicists $80k – $210k, Radiology Technologists $72k-$91k, diagnostic sonography $41k – $87k, diagnostic imaging $73k.
What is Medical Physics?
Simply put, Medical or Health Physics is the application of physics to medicine/healthcare. Medical Physics is concerned with the application of the fundamentals of physics as they relate to human disease and the development of diagnostic and treatment modalities. It calls on knowledge of bioengineering, health physics, as well as healthcare electronics.
It’s the Medical Physicist’s responsibility to collaborate with the physician to develop procedures and protocols for diagnosis and/or treatment. A key component of such protocols is the safety and quality assurance of the use of radiation in the treatment of disease.
There are basically five areas of Medical Physics:
- Medical Health Physics
- Nuclear Medical Physics
- Therapeutic Medical Physics
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics
- Diagnostic Medical Physics
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Medical Physics?
According to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, Medical Physics concentrates on Research and Development, Teaching, or Clinical Service and Consultation.
The majority of Medical Physicists will consult with oncology physicians to develop cancer patient treatment plans specifically in the field of radiation. Drawing on their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, Medical Physicists will determine radiation measurement, develop simulations to create shields for use during treatment and ensure the linear accelerators that deliver the radiation dosage are properly functioning. Medical Physicists also work in nuclear medicine in collaboration with physicians.
On the Research and Development side, physicists research and develop new treatment options in cardiac, oncology, or mental illness. Their research includes the application of computers, the development of technology, tools and instruments in diagnostic radiology.
You could secure a faculty position in a college or university teaching medical students, medical physicians, and technologists. You may also teach courses in radiobiology, medical physics, biophysics and radiobiology.
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