Medical Dosimetrists

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

Tasks Include:

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.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: No Data

National: +5.4%

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job Zone:

Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$132,880.00

State

$153,360.00

Regional

Medical Dosimetrists

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

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

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Education

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree = 40%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 35%
Master's Degree = 15%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 5%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession. = 5%

Related Work Experience

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 35%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 25%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 20%
None = 10%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 10%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 30%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 30%
Up to and including 1 month = 20%
None = 10%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 5%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 5%

On-the-Job Training

Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 20%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 20%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 20%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 15%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 10%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 10%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 5%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

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.
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.
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.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Develop treatment plans, and calculate doses for brachytherapy procedures.
Educate patients regarding treatment plans, physiological reactions to treatment, or post-treatment care.
Measure the amount of radioactivity in patients or equipment, using radiation monitoring devices.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
80.00	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
78.75	Physics	Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
73.75	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
67.50	Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
64.50	Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
64.00	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
61.25	Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
58.75	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
50.00	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Skills

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
75.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
75.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
72.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
68.75	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
65.50	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
65.50	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
62.50	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
62.50	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
62.50	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
59.50	Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
59.50	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
59.50	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
56.25	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
53.00	Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
53.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
53.00	Systems Analysis	Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
50.00	Management of Personnel Resources	Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
50.00	Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
50.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
78.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
78.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
72.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
72.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
72.00	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
68.75	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
68.75	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
65.50	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
62.50	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
59.50	Mathematical Reasoning	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
56.25	Number Facility	The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
56.25	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
53.00	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
53.00	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
53.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
50.00	Originality	The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
50.00	Perceptual Speed	The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
95.00	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
88.25	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
83.75	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
83.00	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
81.50	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
81.50	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
81.25	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
81.25	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
80.25	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
73.75	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
72.25	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
72.25	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
70.00	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
67.50	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
63.75	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
63.75	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
58.75	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
58.75	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
58.00	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
57.50	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
56.25	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
54.00	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
52.75	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
51.25	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
95.00	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
91.25	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
88.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
82.50	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
81.25	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
80.00	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
80.00	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
78.75	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
77.50	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
76.25	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
75.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
73.75	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
65.00	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
63.75	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
52.50	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
97.00	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
96.00	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
96.00	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
96.00	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
95.80	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
95.00	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
90.00	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
84.20	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
84.00	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
83.00	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
82.00	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
81.00	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
80.00	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
78.00	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
78.00	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
77.00	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
69.40	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
68.00	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
63.00	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
63.00	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
53.00	Degree of Automation	How automated is the job?
52.00	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
52.00	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
51.60	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
50.00	Exposed to Radiation	How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$86,480.00	$132,880.00	$153,360.00
Virginia	$122,440.00	$153,360.00	$153,360.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	$131,180.00	$153,360.00	$157,740.00
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	4,200	4,500	+5.4%
Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Diagnostic Services Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

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Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Working with Computers	5.0
Documenting/Recording Information	4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.5
Processing Information	4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.5
Analyzing Data or Information	4.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.5
Getting Information	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Thinking Creatively	4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.5
Developing and Building Teams	3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	3.0
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Assisting and Caring for Others	3.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.5
Performing Administrative Activities	2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	2.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.5
Handling and Moving Objects	2.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.0
Performing General Physical Activities	2.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	1.5
Staffing Organizational Units	1.5
Selling or Influencing Others	1.5
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Medical Dosimetrists

Related Schools

Averett University
Virginia Western Community College

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)