GENERAL INFORMATION

The graduate programs in Medical Radiation Physics are offered at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels by the Department of Medical Radiation Physics in the College of Health Professions at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

The Department of Medical Radiation Physics is one of a limited number of autonomous departments in the country. Close personal interaction combined with multiple learning and research resources may be enjoyed in the Medical Radiation Physics programs. Students in the MRP program receive clinical experience from at least one of a number of affiliated hospitals and may take advantage of such affiliated institutions as Argonne National Laboratories and a private high-tech industrial corporation, BioImaging Research, Inc. of Lincolnshire, Illinois, for their research. Graduates of the existing M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Medical Radiation Physics have taken leading positions in radiological physics at clinical, research, academic and governmental institutions in the United States and abroad. With the growing use of radionuclides and radiation in research, diagnosis and therapy, this promises to be a rewarding field.

M.S. PROGRAM IN MEDICAL RADIATION PHYSICS
The M.S. program in Medical Radiation Physics concentrates on clinical aspects of medical radiation physics. A student may pursue one of two tracks:

1. The Radiation Physics track is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in medical physics
2. The Radiation Medicine track is designed for pre-medical and medical school graduates interested in preparing themselves for an eventual residency in one of three main specialties of radiation medicine (diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology or nuclear medicine) or other related sub-specialties. A radiation medicine specialist with additional comprehensive training in the technical and scientific aspects of radiological physics, would certainly be better prepared and more efficient, not only during the required examination for his/her board of specialty but also later as a clinical practitioner.

The M.S. degree typically requires two full-time years to complete, which covers seven consecutive academic quarters.

Graduate students for the M.S. degree in Medical Radiation Physics are required to take all core courses listed in the Medical Radiation Physics Department section of the College of Health Professions catalog (except those indicated for students in the Ph.D. program) and fulfill clinical rotation schedules.

Ph.D. PROGRAM IN MEDICAL RADIATION PHYSICS
The Ph.D. program emphasizes research, teaching and professional clinical service. The Ph.D. degree requires a three year, full-time residency, provided that an acceptable research project and a Ph.D. dissertation would be promptly submitted to the satisfaction of both the Department of Medical Radiation Physics and the College of Health Professions. In addition to the courses mandatory for the M.S. degree (unless waived by the department chair), a Ph.D. candidate is required to take the following: Advanced Radiation Dosimetry, Clinical Practicum, Departmental Seminar, and Research and Dissertation.