FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics?

In summary, switching to medical physics from sciences was a bad decision because there are no jobs available. However, if you are passionate about science, it may be worth it to go back to physics. There are many other professions in physics that you may be interested in, such as concert pianist.
  • #1
zero442
3
0
So I switched my major out of sciences to Radiation Therapy when I was worried about the economy and was under the impression medical= instant job. I of course discovered medical physics at my clinical site but it was too late to go back without finishing. Now having discovered Therapy has no jobs I'm considering a return to physics. I have a real passion for science and it keeps pointing to physics lately, but will it be a waste if I go back? Although I have a decent command of the basics of XIO and some other dosimetry programs, dosimtery schools seem to have gigantic backlogs of applicants. The job market for dosimetry does not seem to be much better than radiation therapy.

So in a few questions.

Medical physicists, would this be a good move? what is the job market like for those with little experience? any stories anecdotes or words of wisdom? I have a passion for Oncology from my therapist background so this seems like the most obvious choice for me.

Other than medical physics whose job description i have a good grasp on what other physics related professions are out there?

I am also considering the college based & naval nuclear physics program. Has anyone gone through something similar? What is this like?


Thanks for the help, This site has also been an awesome refresher for mathematics and physics lately.
 
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  • #2
If you jump up to the Medical Physics thread, we've been discussing jobs in medical physics for the last page or so of posts.

In general, medical physics and radation therapy jobs are, economically speaking, going to parallel each other. There are more radation therapy positions, but there are also more radiation therapists. It is my opinion, that hiring in this (either) field is in a slump right now due to the sluggish economy. However over the next decade the increases in cancer rates will drive significant growth. Others disagree with me.

To get into medical physics you first need to complete an undergradate degree in physics. Some branches of engineering are accepted as well, but in general, a radiation therapy background won't qualify you for admission to graduate school.
 
  • #3
Choppy said:
If you jump up to the Medical Physics thread, we've been discussing jobs in medical physics for the last page or so of posts.

In general, medical physics and radation therapy jobs are, economically speaking, going to parallel each other. There are more radation therapy positions, but there are also more radiation therapists. It is my opinion, that hiring in this (either) field is in a slump right now due to the sluggish economy. However over the next decade the increases in cancer rates will drive significant growth. Others disagree with me.

To get into medical physics you first need to complete an undergradate degree in physics. Some branches of engineering are accepted as well, but in general, a radiation therapy background won't qualify you for admission to graduate school.

Please note the irony which abounds in this field. Having a background of radiation therapy, you will be unqualified to perform radiation therapy under the title of "medical physicist."
 
  • #4
qball said:
Please note the irony which abounds in this field. Having a background of radiation therapy, you will be unqualified to perform radiation therapy under the title of "medical physicist."

You are correct. Having a background of radiation therapy, you will be qualified to be a radiation therapist. Who would have guessed it? Having a background in medical physics will qualify you to be a medical physicist. Fancy that?

I suppose you'll be disappointed if your background in physics doesn't let you be a concert pianist too?
 
  • #5
@ qball. I was not planning on being a therapist if i continued to physics. So the irony would not be lost on me.

I appreciate the info on the direction of the field and amount of physics jobs out there. More than anything, i do not want to get a second bachelors and masters degree only to find i will still be working in a grocery store. haha

Ill try to end my questions there as there are a lot more posts on medical physics on this site.

Thank you all
 
  • #6
qball said:
Clinical medical physics = radiation therapy (discounting nuclear medicine). Fancy that?

Just because most of clinical medical physics is in radiation therapy, doesn't mean that the job of the therapist and the job of the physicist are the same.
 
  • #7
neodevin and Choppy thanks for dealing with a "noob" like me and for the info on other threads in this forum. I'm gleaning information from each that i read and trying to answer my own questions as i go as well as brushing up on my physics in the teaching section. All help is much appreciated.
 

FAQ: FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics?

What is an FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics?

An FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics is a professional who has transitioned from the field of radiation therapy to the field of physics. This transition allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in radiation therapy to the study and application of physics principles in the medical field.

What qualifications are required to become an FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics?

To become an FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics, one typically needs to have a degree in radiation therapy or a related field, as well as a degree or additional coursework in physics. Some employers may also require certification in radiation therapy and/or medical physics.

What are the job responsibilities of an FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics?

The job responsibilities of an FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics vary depending on their specific role and employer. However, common duties may include conducting research and experiments, analyzing data, developing treatment plans, and using advanced technology to deliver radiation therapy to patients.

What are the benefits of being an FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics?

One of the main benefits of being an FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics is the opportunity to combine knowledge and skills from two related fields, allowing for a more well-rounded and versatile career. Additionally, these professionals often have a higher earning potential and may have more opportunities for career advancement.

How is the demand for FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics?

The demand for FMR Radiation Therapist to Physics is generally high, as the field of medical physics continues to grow and evolve. This is due to advancements in technology and an aging population, which increases the need for medical professionals who can utilize and apply physics principles in healthcare settings.

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