Occupation

Medical Dosimetrists

Human Advantage 72%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
3 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

Also Known As: CMD (Certified Medical Dosimetrist), Dosimetrist, Medical Dosimetrist, Medical Physicist, Medical Radiation Dosimetrist, Radiation Dosimetrist, Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist, Radiation Therapy Dosimetrist (RT Dosimetrist)

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Design the arrangement of radiation fields to reduce exposure to critical patient structures, such as organs, using computers, manuals, and guides.
  2. Plan the use of beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters, to ensure safe and effective delivery of radiation treatment.
  3. Identify and outline bodily structures, using imaging procedures, such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography.
  4. Calculate the delivery of radiation treatment, such as the amount or extent of radiation per session, based on the prescribed course of radiation therapy.
  5. Calculate, or verify calculations of, prescribed radiation doses.
  6. Develop radiation treatment plans in consultation with members of the radiation oncology team.
  7. Supervise or perform simulations for tumor localizations, using imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography scans.
  8. Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for treatment delivery, using image-guided radiation therapy.
  9. Record patient information, such as radiation doses administered, in patient records.
  10. Advise oncology team members on use of beam modifying or immobilization devices in radiation treatment plans.
  11. Fabricate beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters.
  12. Perform quality assurance system checks, such as calibrations, on treatment planning computers.
  13. Fabricate patient immobilization devices, such as molds or casts, for radiation delivery.
  14. Develop requirements for the use of patient immobilization devices and positioning aides, such as molds or casts, as part of treatment plans to ensure accurate delivery of radiation and comfort of patient.
  15. Teach medical dosimetry, including its application, to students, radiation therapists, or residents.
  16. Conduct radiation oncology-related research, such as improving computer treatment planning systems or developing new treatment devices.

Supplemental Tasks (3)

  1. Develop treatment plans, and calculate doses for brachytherapy procedures.
  2. Measure the amount of radioactivity in patients or equipment, using radiation monitoring devices.
  3. Educate patients regarding treatment plans, physiological reactions to treatment, or post-treatment care.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
40%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
35%
Master's Degree
15%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
5%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
5%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Eclipse IDE
  • MEDITECH software

Software (3)

  • Medical condition coding software

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Physical Health Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 4
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