The practice of medical physics combines the knowledge, concepts and principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Medical physicists primarily apply this understanding in radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine and health physics.
The need for properly trained medical physicists has never been greater as patient treatment and diagnosis become more technically advanced. The era of personalized healthcare brings new challenges to the medical system as we attempt to diagnose and treat patients as individuals.
Medical physicists are pivotal in discovery, research and development, and the translation of new technologies into clinical practice. Excellence in the profession requires commitment to the highest standards in quality, safety and innovation for patient care in these domains.
For a more detailed look at the role of the medical physicist, consider visiting the American Association of Physicists in Medicine’s (AAPM) website or viewing career descriptions of medical physics.
Medical Physics Graduate Programs at The Ohio State University
The Medical Physics Graduate Programs at The Ohio State University offers a rigorous program for both a MS and a PhD degree. Each degree integrates scientific knowledge, technical skills and clinical experience into a course of study that spans the full breadth of the medical physics field.
Medical Physics MS Program
The two-year MS program provides focused training in core medical physics principles with an emphasis on clinical preparation. Students develop a strong foundation in medical physics fundamentals while gaining exposure to clinical workflows and technologies within an academic medical center.
Medical Physics PhD Program
The PhD program is research-intensive while also providing structured clinical training within an academic medical center. Students engage in original, hypothesis-driven research early in their training and work closely with faculty mentors across a broad range of clinical and translational research areas. Students may specialize in diagnostic medical imaging physics or radiation therapy physics, with clinical coursework and exposure integrated with research activities, preparing graduates for careers in academic medical physics and clinical research leadership.
More about the Medical Physics Program
Additional program details to be added as available.
Medical Physics Master's of Science (MS) Program
To inspire the next generation of medical physics leaders to advance healthcare by providing a strong didactic foundation and comprehensive clinical experience.
Medical Physics Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) Program
To inspire future leaders in medical physics to transform healthcare by training experts who conduct high-quality research, collaborate effectively and apply profound scientific understanding to advance the field.
Year 1
Autumn (10 credits)
- NUCLREN 5606- Radiation Protection and Shielding (3 credits)
- RADONC 6006- Radiological Physics and Dosimetry (3 credits)
- RADIOLG 6010- Fundamental Physics of Medical Imaging (3 credits)
- RADIOLG 6011- Lab (1 credit)
Spring (10 credits)
- RADSCI 3672 – Radiologic Sectional Anatomy (3 credits)
- NUCLREN 5742 – Nuclear Instrumentation, Radiation Sensor, and Detection (3 credits)
- RADONC 6020 – Fundamental Physics of Radiation Therapy (3 credits)
- RADONC 6021 – Lab (1 credit)
Year 2
Summer (6 credits)
- RADONC 6007 – Radiation Biology (2 credits)
- RADONC 7070 - Practicum (2) or RADIOLG 7070 - Practicum (2 credits)
- RADONC 7998 – Research (2) or RADIOLG 7998 (2 credits)
Autumn (9 credits)
- RADONC 7020 – Advanced Physics of Radiation Therapy (3 credits)
- Elective (3 credits)
- RADONC 7070 – Practicum (2 credits) or RADIOLG 7070 Practicum (3 credits)
- RADONC 7090 – Seminar (1 credit)
Spring (9 credits)
- RADIOLG 7020 – Advanced Physics of Medical Imaging (3 credits)
- Elective (3 credits)
- RADONC 7070 – Practicum (2 credits) or RADIOLG 7070 Practicum (3 credits)
- RADONC 7090 – Seminar (1 credit)
Why choose Ohio State for advanced medical physics degrees?
If you’re looking to develop your career as a medical physicist, your growth will be enhanced by interaction with our faculty – who are leaders in the field themselves – and by the state-of-the-art facilities found at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and in the quality of our College of Medicine graduate programs.
U.S. News & World Report, which uses a four-tier system for its “Best Medical Schools” ratings, has recognized The Ohio State University College of Medicine as a tier 1 for “Best Medical Schools: Research,” making it one of the top 16 medical schools for research in the country.
Life in Columbus
Since 1850, The Ohio State University has warmly welcomed generations of students to the heart of its sprawling campus in Columbus. Here, in the Buckeye State’s capital – now the nation’s 15th-largest city and the fastest-growing tech hub in the Midwest – you’ll build your own memories and relationships with an endless list of events and activities in the diverse neighborhoods that make up the Columbus metro area.
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Continue your training with a Medical Physics Residency Program
Upon completion of either of these graduate degrees, you can continue your training at The Ohio State University College of Medicine through our CAMPEP-accredited Medical Physics Residency Programs in Therapy and Diagnostic Imaging, which provides advanced clinical training in an academic setting to support the transition from training to independent practice.