Medical Dosimetrists
29-2036.00

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Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Advise oncology team members on use of beam modifying or immobilization devices in radiation treatment plans.
  • Calculate, or verify calculations of, prescribed radiation doses.
  • Calculate the delivery of radiation treatment, such as the amount or extent of radiation per session, based on the prescribed course of radiation therapy.
  • Conduct radiation oncology-related research, such as improving computer treatment planning systems or developing new treatment devices.
  • Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for treatment delivery, using image-guided radiation therapy.
  • Design the arrangement of radiation fields to reduce exposure to critical patient structures, such as organs, using computers, manuals, and guides.
  • Develop radiation treatment plans in consultation with members of the radiation oncology team.
  • Develop requirements for the use of patient immobilization devices and positioning aides, such as molds or casts, as part of treatment plans to ensure accurate delivery of radiation and comfort of patient.
  • Develop treatment plans, and calculate doses for brachytherapy procedures.
  • Educate patients regarding treatment plans, physiological reactions to treatment, or post-treatment care.
  • Fabricate beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters.
  • Fabricate patient immobilization devices, such as molds or casts, for radiation delivery.
  • Identify and outline bodily structures, using imaging procedures, such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography.
  • Load, receive, or ship radioactive materials.
  • Measure the amount of radioactivity in patients or equipment, using radiation monitoring devices.
  • Perform quality assurance system checks, such as calibrations, on treatment planning computers.
  • Plan the use of beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters, to ensure safe and effective delivery of radiation treatment.
  • Record patient information, such as radiation doses administered, in patient records.
  • Supervise or perform simulations for tumor localizations, using imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography scans.
  • Teach medical dosimetry, including its application, to students, radiation therapists, or residents.

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Technology Skills

  • Medical software — Medical condition coding software; MEDITECH software

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Occupational Requirements

Detailed Work Activities

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Experience Requirements

Job Zone

Title
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
SVP Range
(6.0 to < 7.0)

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Training & Credentials

State training
Local training
Certifications
State licenses

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Apprenticeship Opportunities

Start your career and build your skillset. Visit Apprenticeship.gov external site to learn about opportunities related to this occupation.

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Worker Characteristics

Interests

Interest code: ICR
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  • Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
  • Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
  • Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

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Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2022)
$62.01 hourly, $128,970 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
3,500 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Average (2% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
200
State trends
Top industries (2022)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data external site and 2022-2032 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

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More Information

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Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

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