Medical Physics at the University of Wisconsin

Medical Physics is one of nine basic science departments of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. It awards MS degrees in Medical Physics and Health Physics and doctoral degrees in Medical Physics. The graduate program is accredited by CAMPEP, the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs. Didactic training on all aspects of medical imaging and radiological physics and dosimetry is available.

Prospective students are requested to look closely at the link to "admissions" on this page. Admissions requirements, undergraduate training, and application deadlines are presented. Brief "course descriptions" are given, and typical "course sequences" leading to the MS degree are presented.

The Qualifier test is taken at the end of the first year of graduate study shortly after the spring semester. Three qualifier types are available, general medical physics, image sciences, and health physics. A Basic MS pass must be earned to obtain a Masters Degree in medical Physics. A Ph.D. pass is required for candidacy to the doctoral degree.

A variety of opportunities are available for students who are interested in obtaining "clinical medical physics training." In recent years, graduate programs have shifted their focus more to didactic training, with clinical training provided mainly through clinical residencies. Most clinical positions require American Board of Radiology (ABR) Physics certification, obtained by passing a 3-part exam. Students in CAMPEP programs may take Part 1 while enrolled in graduate school. Parts 2 and 3 require clinical experience. New ABR rules: anyone taking ABR-Part 1 in 2014 or later will have to complete a clinical physics residency to be eligible for Part 2. See the ABR web site for further details.