What is medical dosimetry ?

Medical dosimetrists are the behind-the-scenes experts in cancer care—working closely with radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation therapists to design precise, effective treatment plans for patients. You'll use your deep understanding of anatomy, oncology, radiobiology, physics and mathematics to determine how best to deliver a powerful dose of radiation to a tumor while protecting nearby healthy tissue.

Every plan you create is a critical part of someone's cancer journey. As a dosimetrist, you translate the physician's prescription into a safe, accurate, and personalized treatment plan. It's highly technical, deeply meaningful work—challenging and evolving every day with advancements in medical technology.

Whether you're already working in radiation oncology or looking to specialize in this field, Washburn's program gives you a fast, flexible and comprehensive path to becoming a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD).

Career Forecast Bright OutlookAverage salary $138,110 (BLS.gov 2023)online
Dosimetry student at a computer.

Choose Washburn for medical dosimetry

Throughout the program, faculty will ensure you have the resources and support you need to navigate online learning. Clinical preceptors and staff are dedicated to providing hands-on training that will prepare you to enter the workforce after graduation.

Benefits of pursuing medical dosimetry at Washburn include:

  • Washburn has a strong tradition in radiologic sciences education — all of our programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (medical dosimetry is seeking accreditation in the 2026-27 academic year)
  • Small program cohorts (not more than 25 students in a class) allow you to build lasting relationships with your instructors and peers
  • Online courses allow you to complete classwork according to your personal schedule
  • It is possible to complete in-person clinical training near where you live (we are currently accepting applications for clinical affiliate sites across the country)
  • Program faculty are experienced medical dosimetrists
  • Washburn has numerous resources available to help distance education students be successful in online courses

Clinical experience near you

As part of the Washburn Medical Dosimetry program, you'll gain real-world experience in radiation oncology clinics alongside certified medical dosimetrists and other professionals. With faculty support in securing and approving clinical sites, students receive hands-on training that builds the skills and confidence needed for success in the field.

Take a closer look

To apply for the medical dosimetry program at Washburn, the following is required:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a health or science field
    • Radiation therapy experience is preferred but not required
  • Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Prerequisite coursework
    • Human Biology (BI100 or equivalent)
    • Human Anatomy & Physiology (BI250 & BI230 or equivalent), no lab required
    • College Algebra (MA116 or equivalent) or higher
    • Radiation Physics
    • Medical Terminology (AL141 or equivalent)
    • Introductory Writing (EN100 or equivalent)
    • Communication (any course in verbal or public speaking)
    • 8+ hours of documented on-site observation in medical dosimetry

Application process

  • Application opens: September 1
  • Application deadline: February 1

Applying is as simple as completing Washburn's graduate application and declaring medical dosimetry as your program.

In order to fill out the application you will need the following:
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Resumé
  • Two recommendations from academic or health care professionals
  • Medical dosimetry observation summary
  • Medical dosimetry observation evaluation
  • Personal statement
  • Essential functions/technical standards form

The medical dosimetry application packet provides further instructions and a list of all elements to include when applying.

Applicants may submit the Application for Clinical Affiliation along with the program application. However, it is strongly recommended to submit it as early as possible once a clinical site has agreed to host the student.

Application review timeline

  • February 1 (11:59 p.m.) – Online application closes. All materials (transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted by this deadline. Late materials are not accepted.
  • Early February – Faculty begin reviewing applications.
  • By end of February – Online interviews are scheduled with top applicants from the first review round. Interviews are mandatory; missing one disqualifies a student.
  • Clinical Site Verification – Faculty confirm each student has an approved clinical site:
    • If the site is not already an affiliate, the Application for Clinical Affiliation must show it is on track for approval before June 1.
    • Admission cannot be finalized without an approved site.
  • Waitlist – Once program capacity is reached, additional qualified applicants are placed on a waitlist.
  • By April 1 – Students are notified of admission decisions.
  • By end of April – Accepted students receive an information packet with next steps and required tasks before classes begin.
Program director:
Amanda Lisher, MS, BHS, CMD, RT(R)(T)
785.670.3103 or amanda.lisher@washburn.edu

Medical Dosimetry programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry. Washburn will be seeking accreditation during the 2026-2027 academic year.

JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Medical Dosimetry

Contact JRCERT at:

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312.704.5300
mail@jrcert.org

By the numbers

CAREER FORECAST: bright outlook
Employment of medical dosimetrists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations (source: BLS.gov). The 2020 American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) Medical Dosimetry Workforce Study indicated a steady increase in the demand for certified medical dosimetrists due to a surge in retirement rates and rising cancer incidence.

Median salary

$138,110

Projected job growth

5%

(2023-2033)

Well-suited minors, majors or related programs

Advanced Certificate in Radiation Therapy

In addition to tuition and textbooks, medical dosimetry students are responsible for the following expenses:

  • Travel to Washburn University for program orientation (mandatory—prior to program start) and graduation (optional, but encouraged—Mid-May)
  • Transportation to and from clinical sites
  • Scrubs or business attire (based on clinical site requirements)
  • Technology requirements (laptop with audio/visual capabilities, reliable internet access, and a scientific calculator)
  • Health insurance
  • Background check and drug screen ($105)
  • Physical exam
  • Required immunizations (based on clinical site requirements)
  • CPR certification and recertification fees
  • Trajecsys software access, used for tracking clinical time and documentation ($100)
  • AAMD student membership ($80—purchase in October)

Now accepting clinical affiliates

If you'd like to host a clinical site, please see our information packet and application.

Clinical affiliate information packet

Clinical affiliate application

Program manual

In the program manual you'll find information like the program calendar, policies and expectations
Program manual

GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Allied Health

Allied Health Department
School of Applied Studies, Room 201
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
785.670.2170
allied-health@washburn.edu

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