Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry
Medical dosimetrists are integral members of the radiation oncology team who create computerized treatment plans and perform dose calculations for patients undergoing radiation therapy. As “architects” of radiation therapy, they design plans to deliver a curative dose to tumors while limiting exposure to nearby healthy organs.
At Suffolk, you will learn from expert board-certified dosimetrists and physicists at top Boston hospitals who provide didactic and clinical instruction. Our competency-based clinical curriculum incorporates the latest planning techniques including 3D, IMRT, VMAT, brachytherapy, and stereotactic. Students also have the unique experience of a 3-week rotation in proton treatment planning. You will be prepared to be a clinically competent professional who can communicate effectively, think critically, and engage in evidence-based practice.
Supervised clinical rotations are completed at our affiliates including
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH)
- MGH at Newton Wellesley Hospital
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center
- MGH North Shore Cancer Center
- Beth Israel-Lahey Health
- Rhode Island Hospital
- South Shore Hospital
The variety of clinical sites ensures exposure to working in multiple settings including a major academic center as well as a smaller community setting. Every student also gains experience using the two major treatment planning systems which are Eclipse and RayStation.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply to sit for the certification exam offered by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board. At this time, there are no licensure requirements for Medical Dosimetrists in any state or the District of Columbia.
Program Information
Accreditation
The Suffolk University Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry is accredited by:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Contact JRCERT by phone (312) 704-5300 or email.
The length of the most recent accreditation award is 8 years. The next site visit is scheduled for the last quarter of 2023.
Program Effectiveness Data
The program transitioned the terminal award from a post-baccalaureate certificate to a master’s level. The first cohort of graduates from the master’s program graduated in 2021. The 5-year average data includes data for the certificate program from 2018 to 2020 and data from the master’s program for 2021 to 2022. The JRCERT also publishes the program effectiveness data along with explanations on how they are calculated on their website.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Medical Dosimetry program is to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive education in the discipline. Students will receive instruction from a multifaceted faculty and in diverse clinical settings in New England. Our students will use the most advanced technologies to develop exceptional clinical skills and research experiences that will prepare them for entry level positions. Graduates of our program will think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate the importance of continued education in maintaining their competence.
Program Duration
The MS in Medical Dosimetry program (MSMD) is a full-time program and includes one summer semester of a required academic internship in a clinical setting.
Most students who complete the MSMD program have no prior coursework in radiation therapy or medical dosimetry. Students who do not possess a background in radiation therapy complete the MSMD program in 21 months and begin their first semester in September.
Students possessing a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy may complete the program in 17 months and begin their first semester in January.
Expected Program Schedule
With a leveling semester:
- Year 1: Fall semester, Spring semester, Summer semester
- Year 2: Fall semester, Spring semester
Without leveling semester:
- Year 1: Spring semester, Summer semester
- Year 2: Fall semester, Spring semester
Suffolk Grads Join the Fight Against Cancer
Medical Dosimetry master's program graduates its first class
Cost of Graduate Study at Suffolk (2022-2023)
| Per Semester Rate | Per Credit Rate |
|---|---|
| $16,675 | $1,390 |
*MS in Medical Dosimetry Exceptions: First semester 16-credit cost = $22,235 | Summer internship 3 credits cost = $4,170
Financial Aid for Graduate Study
Suffolk University is pleased to offer merit-based financial aid to graduate students—these awards can be up to $14,750 per academic year. Merit-based aid is awarded based on the applicant's academic credentials presented on the admission application. No separate application is required for merit consideration.
Suffolk's MSMD Program
Application Deadlines
| Semester | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | January 15 |
Applications will be considered on a rolling, space available basis until April 1. No applications will be accepted after April 1.
Application Materials
- Completed application
- $50 Application Fee (waived for students who visit campus)
- Resume
- Goal Statement (essay)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary work. Admitted students enrolling in the program will need to have official transcripts, including proof of degree conferral, on file prior to their first class
- Shadow feedback (obtained by program from clinical site where shadow occurred). For a virtual shadow completed through Suffolk University, the Suffolk University staff member conducting the shadow will provide feedback; for additional information please refer to the page section on Shadow Experiences
- Math assessment (by invitation)
Completed without a calculator and covers basic arithmetic functions, fractions, decimals, percentages, basic college algebra, exponential functions including power laws, natural logs, basic geometry, similar triangles, areas, perimeter and trigonometry - Interview (by invitation)
An initial screening interview with the program director and clinical coordinator is scheduled as applications are completed. Select applicants are invited to a full committee interview in February. - Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE-Academic Scores (international students only)
Admission Requirements
A background in radiation therapy is not required. Most of our accepted students have undergraduate degrees in physics, biology, chemistry, pre-med, and health sciences. We have also accepted career changers with backgrounds such as marketing and environmental science. All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 cumulative GPA
Completion of the following pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or higher:
- Calculus I
- Physics I & II with labs
- Biology
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs
Shadow Experience
All applicants must complete a clinical shadow experience before the corresponding application deadline, however it is recommended that applicants complete a shadow in advance as soon as they identify an interest in applying to the program. This will require at least 4 hours of your time and consists of observing a certified Medical Dosimetrist at work to assure your suitability for the career you are pursuing.
Applicants are encouraged to complete the shadow experience at a nearby medical institution of their choice by contacting the Radiation Oncology Department and requesting a Medical Dosimetry shadow.
The following information will need to be provided in the admissions application form so we can request feedback about the shadow:
- Name of individual(s) with whom you shadowed
- Institution
- Phone number
- Email address
- Date of shadow
- Duration of shadow
If you need assistance scheduling a shadow, the Suffolk Medical Dosimetry Program can also arrange it for you at one of our local hospital affiliates in Boston. Please be advised that as of 3/11/2020, our clinical partners have advised us that we are not able to set up on-site shadow experiences until further notice. If you are interested in Medical Dosimetry, and are unable to secure a shadow at a site near you, we can schedule you for a 2 hour virtual demonstration to meet shadow requirement purposes.
Find out more and request a shadow.
Course Waiver Eligibility
Students with a background in radiation therapy may be able to waive some or all of the courses in the leveling semester (Fall year 1). Eligible courses must have been completed within the previous 5 years with a grade of B or higher.
Accepted students must provide the following to the graduate program director for a determination of course-equivalence eligibility:
- Course name and number
- Catalog course description
- Syllabus including schedule of lectures
The program does not accept transfer credits for any graduate level courses.
Clinical Information
Clinical Schedule
Clinical rotations begin in the spring semester of the first year of the program. Students are advised that they may be required to participate in a few quality assurance procedures that are typically completed in the evenings.
The clinical schedule is:
- Year 1
Spring: Tuesday & Thursday — 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Summer: Monday & Friday — 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
OR Monday - Thursday — 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.*
*This 4-day, 10-hour summer option is not offered at all clinical sites
- Year 2
Fall & Spring: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday — 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Several of our clinical affiliates utilize a hybrid work model where dosimetrists work remotely for a few days each week. Students complete their clinical rotations in person under supervision of dosimetrists who are also on site, but there may be occasions where instruction is provided remotely via videoconferencing. During the full-time summer practicum and at the discretion of the clinical site, students may be able to complete remote clinical education not to exceed 50% of the required clinical hours in any given week.
Transportation
Students are required to provide their own transportation when assigned to clinical sites that are not easily accessible via public transportation.
This applies to MGH North Shore Cancer Center, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center, and Rhode Island Hospital.
Background Checks & Immunizations
All students are required to comply with various requirements of our clinical affiliates in order to be cleared to start clinical rotations. This includes submitting information required for background checks such as the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and providing proof of required immunizations.
Students are also required to obtain a flu shot and a TB/PPD test at their own expense based on the schedule determined by their clinical site.
Professional Liability
A Professional Liability Insurance policy will be provided through Suffolk University that covers students during clinical rotations.
CPR Certification
Students enrolling in Fall 2022 and later will be required to obtain CPR certification at their own cost. This will be required prior to the start of clinical rotations and must remain current for the duration of all rotations.
Additional Information
Courses & Requirements
Learn more about the classes, requirements, and different options available to complete the program.