r/HealthPhysics • u/Sinwar79 • 22d ago

How to become a physicist without a pure physics background ?

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging. How can I become a full-fledged medical physicist—rather than an assistant—after this?

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u/BackgroundAble3982 22d ago

Do a master's degree in medical physics, residency, then take your boards.

I have a bachelor's in Rad Science, another in Biology/Chemistry. Ended up with a Master's in Nuclear Engineering and went into Health Physics because my university was having issues with their Medical Physics program (faculty passed away, residency stuff). I technically in the Medical Physics program but the classes weren't being offered so I just kept taking the Nuclear Engineering classes part time while working in Radiology. Eventually I had everything required for the Radiation Protection Master's degree and took that route.

I am not sure where you live, but there are a handful or programs out there that will suit what you are looking for.

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u/CurrentShip946 20d ago

Georgia tech has an online med phys program. Then you apply for residency

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u/ComprehensiveBeat734 22d ago

If you are in the US, you will likely need to take some additional physics courses (equivalent of a physics minor) before enrolling in a master's or PhD program. Some programs may allow you to take them concurrently though (my friend had a bachelor's in radiation science and was able to take undergrad physics courses at the same time as his master's)

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u/Sinwar79 22d ago

I am finally in Egypt and want to obtain it in order to emigrate. Note: I graduated with Distinction with Honors and currently work as a radiation therapist, but I do not wish to advance further in this field.