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

Medical Dosimetry summer course dates and clinical schedules may not align exactly with the Washburn University academic calendar; however, clinical or didactic assignments will never be scheduled during scheduled university closure dates. Holidays and breaks will be listed in the clinical course syllabus and are included in the program calendar.

Program director:
Amanda Lisher, MS, BHS, CMD, RT(R)(T)
785.670.3103 or amanda.lisher@washburn.edu

Washburn will be seeking accreditationby the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) during the 2026-2027 academic year. Learn more about the program accreditation.

Your online learning experience extends beyond the virtual classroom. Washburn University offers a wide range of student support services designed to help you succeed—academically, technically, and personally.


Technology support

Information Technology Services

Washburn's Information Technology Services (ITS) can assist with password resets, access to MyWashburn and Banner, email setup, Office 365, and general tech troubleshooting.

785.670.3000 | support@washburn.edu

Online Education Support

Get help with D2L, Respondus, StudyMate, and LockDown Browser from Online Education Support.

1.866.888.1272 (24/7 Support) | washburn@d2l.com


Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services ensures all students have equal access to educational opportunities. Visit Accessibility Services
for accommodations and resources.

785.670.1622 | accommodations@washburn.edu


Academic Support Services

University library

Washburn's University Library provides full online access to journals, databases, and research tools to support your coursework.

785.670.2485 | refemail@washburn.edu

Scott Brackey, Health Sciences Librarian

As your personal librarian, I can assist you in several ways. One of the main things I can help you with is research, such as discussing search terms, resources, and database search strategies. In addition, I can show you how to search databases on your mobile device. I can also help with other library resources, for example Interlibrary Loan requests or accessing any library resource.

785.670.2609 | scott.brackey@washburn.edu

Tutoring & Writing Center

Access free academic support through Washburn's Tutoring & Writing Center.

785.670.1980 | tutoring@washburn.edu

AMA style help

Several dosimetry courses require APA formatting. Here are quick references:



Student Services

Advising

Advising for the medical dosimetry program is done by the program director, Amanda Lisher, amanda.lisher@washburn.edu.

Counseling Services

Students can access confidential help for stress, anxiety, adjusting to graduate study, relationship concerns, and more. Services are free and available to all enrolled students.

785.670.3100 | counseling@washburn.edu

Career Engagement

Career Engagement helps you prepare for your next step—whether that’s entering the workforce, advancing in your field, or pursuing additional education. Students can access resume reviews, interview preparation, career exploration tools, and job search support.

785.670.1450 | career-services@washburn.edu

Because the Medical Dosimetry program is primarily online, you'll need consistent and reliable access to a computer and high-speed internet. While clinical rotations are completed in person, all coursework, assignments and evaluations are handled through Desire2Learn (D2L) and Trajecsys.

A laptop is strongly recommended for flexibility, though a desktop is acceptable. Chromebooks are not supported, as they do not meet software compatibility requirements. You'll also need a webcam, microphone and speakers to participate in video assignments and take proctored exams using the Respondus LockDown Browser.

Additional requirements:

  • Scientific calculator for treatment planning calculations
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) — Office 365 is free for Washburn students and can be installed on up to five devices
Find recommended tech specs, tutorials for D2L and Respondus, and instructions for installing Office on the ITS website. For help, contact Washburn Information Technology Services at support@washburn.edu
or 785.670.3000.
The Medical Dosimetry program does not have an articulation agreement with any other universities.

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

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

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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