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Fall 2021: Oct. 1-May 31

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The Advanced Certificate, Residency Training for Radiation Therapy Physics provides students training in clinical and didactic radiation oncology physics to attain a level of competence that they can take on the responsibilities of a radiation oncology physicist in a clinic. Students will train in the clinic in dosimetry, brachytherapy, machine quality assurance (QA) and calibration, treatment planning and dose calculations, radiation safety, imaging, and special procedures (stereotactic radiosurgery, total skin electron treatment, etc.). Training will also include acceptance testing, commissioning, QA of various major clinic systems (linac, brachytherapy, treatment planning systems, etc.), and radiation safety/regulatory issues.

The admission minimum requirement is a Master’s Degree in Medical Physics with a 3.5 GPA or higher. The certificate requires the completion of four courses (36 units): PHYS 701, 703, 705, and 707. For more information, contact the Physics Department at physics.sdsu.edu.

Estimated CostTotal Estimated Cost
$33,012
Completion Time Completion Time
As short as 2 Years
Course Format Course Format
In Person

Courses

2023 Fall2024 Winter2024 Spring2024 Summer2024 Fall
PHYS 0701 Clinical Rotations I
Clinical training in external beam modalities (megavoltage photons, electrons, superficial x-rays), including equipment selection, radiation protection, acceptance/commissions, calibration, and quality assurance. Theoretical basis and use of the various detectors and dosimeters associated with external beam modalities.
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2021 Spring
PHYS 0703 Clinical Rotations II
On-site, full-day clinical training in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and brachytherapy. Training in quality assurance, calibration, inverse planning, IMRT delivery, and radiation safety. Radionuclides and sealed sources in brachytherapy, clinical applications of the sources, treatment planning, and quality assurance. Prerequisite: Physics 701.
Course Date(s)
March 1 - August 20
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PHYS 0705 Clinical Rotations III
Principles of computed tomography (CT) simulator, associated radiation protection/design considerations, CT protocols. Understand the physics of maging modalities and perform quality assurance on CT, MRI, ultrasound and PET as related to radiation therapy. Train on picture archiving and communication systems.
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PHYS 0707 Clinical Rotations IV
Physics concepts and implementation of standard radiation treatment (RT) techniques for common cancer treatment sites, routine quality assurance associated with patient specific RT and planning,
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