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Medical Physicist
Medical physics is a very specialized field where medicine and physics applications overlap. Examples of medical physics magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which physicians and surgeons use to create a map of the human brain. An MRI, along with many other advanced technological tools, helps a medical physicist diagnose and treat diseases and conditions. Technically speaking, medical physics got its start in radiology and nuclear medicine. At the core, scientists consider medical physics an applied science.
Medical Physicists Job Responsibilities
A significant portion of a medical physicist’s duties involves medical imaging of the human body. This includes several techniques, such as ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, x-rays, mammography, and laser technology. This profession requires you to monitor radiation levels to ensure safe admission levels. You also may be involved with techniques in medicine such as endoscopy, electroencephalography (EEG) or electrocardiography (EKG). You can also work in an academic environment, such as in laboratories that involve the research and development of new medical physics technologies. The exact nature of their work depends heavily on the employer, federal and state regulations, and the level of experience and career training they have achieved.
Details about the Medical Physicist Profession
There are many great resources of data on the field, so you should be able to find specific details about the job description. If the idea of working as a medical physicist intrigues you, you should talk to your high school guidance counselor about the best colleges that offer quality bachelor’s degrees in physics. Essentially, to work in the top careers in medical physics with some measure of independence, one should plan to gain relevant work experience and perhaps an advanced degree. If you are going back to college want to work and study, a distance education might help you complete some of the course requirements in college.
Two great sources of information on medical physics, and professional organizations involved with the best careers in the field specifically, are the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs, Inc. (CAMPEP). The AAMP summarizes the field into three general areas: medical health, diagnostic, and nuclear therapeutic methods. The organization recommends an advanced degree, such as a master’s or Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field. Their website, www.aapm.org, has lists certifying bodies of interest to those serious about becoming a medical physicist. CAMPEP maintains a list of respected and accredited academic institutions that offer medical physics programs. You can find more schools and information about medical physicists at CAMPEP’s website, www.campep.org.
This information should help you learn more about becoming a medical physicist. The field should continue to grow, giving you an opportunity to work in a fruitful profession that provides a generous salary.
