Overview
Medical physics is a field that applies the principles and methods of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, particularly in the area of radiology and radiation therapy. As an essential part of the Department of Radiology and Radiological Science and Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Medical Physics Program is dedicated to advancing research innovation and education and training in line with the Johns Hopkins tripartite mission.
The Medical Physics Certificate is designed for part-time or full-time students who wish to pursue a career as a medical physicist either as a researcher, as a certified clinical professional, or in industry. The program will require successful completion of 18 credits. Full-time master’s students will complete the program in one year and part-time students will complete the program in 1-6 years.
Admission Requirements
The Medical Physics Certificate offers two tracks, a CAMPEP track and a non-CAMPEP track. Students admitted to the CAMPEP track must have a PhD in physics or a related discipline and shall comply with existing CAMPEP-approved undergraduate physics coursework requirements as specified in the Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Educational Programs in Medical Physics. Students admitted to the non-CAMPEP track may fulfill the CAMPEP requirements as defined above during their studies and transfer to the CAMPEP track.
For more information on this program and how to apply, visit the Medical Physics Certificate Program page.
Certificate Requirements
Students in the certificate program complete the required six CAMPEP core courses as listed below. In addition, the students will need to gain clinical shadowing experience for the technical aspects of modern radiology and radiotherapy, including radiopharmaceutical therapy, quality assurance of diagnostic imaging devices, image-guided radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy, adaptive radiotherapy, proton therapy, brachytherapy, and radionuclide therapy. Our efforts ensure that our patients receive the highest quality and safest care possible.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ME.420.702 | Radiological Physics and Dosimetry | 3 |
| ME.420.710 | Medical Imaging Systems | 3 |
| ME.420.703 | Radiation Therapy Physics | 3 |
| ME.420.704 | Radiation Protection and MR Safety | 3 |
| ME.420.706 | Radiation Biology | 3 |
| ME.420.713 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Learning Outcomes
We offer a rigorous and comprehensive medical physics program designed to impart a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and clinical application. By emphasizing solid technical expertise alongside hands-on clinical experience, our graduates are equipped to become the next generation of leaders in the field. As the first complete Medical Physics training program in Maryland offering MS, PhD, certificate, and residency, we provide a uniquely integrated education that prepares students for the full spectrum of professional opportunities. After this education, candidates are eligible to take the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Part I exam. Successful candidates then move on to residency training, which usually lasts for 2-3 years. Following residency, individuals work as clinical medical physicists and must pass the ABR Part II and Part III exams, taking about 1-2 years. Once these exams are completed, they achieve ABR certification as a medical physicist. Certified medical physicists must continue with Maintenance of Certification (MOC) and lifelong learning to stay current in their field.