The Medical Dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has specific knowledge and clinical understanding of radiation treatment machines, equipment and radioactive sources. The Medical Dosimetrist is the expert in designing and generating dose distributions and calculations for a prescribed course of radiation therapy. A Medical Dosimetrist works with computer software and multiple imaging modalities to plan a three dimensional treatment to be delivered by a team of certified Radiation Therapists.
Bellevue College’s Radiation & Imaging Sciences (RAIS), Bachelor of Applied Science degree (BAS) Medical Dosimetry concentration is designed for ARRT certified Radiation Therapists who want to advance their knowledge and skills within this specialty and prepare for the MDCB (Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board) certification examination. Bellevue College offers the only Medical Dosimetry program within Washington State.
Program Details
The Medical Dosimetry program is a full-time program beginning fall quarter of evenly numbered academic years. Next class will start fall quarter 2026.
The Medical Dosimetry program is designed for individuals who are ARRT certified Radiation Therapists and want to become Certified Medical Dosimetrists.
The Medical Dosimetry program is 7 quarters or 22 months in length and is designed for the working professional. The required didactic courses are online. Synchronous lectures are typically scheduled in the evening between 6-9 pm PST. The clinical portion is 2-3 days per week beginning the second quarter.
The program is aligned with the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) curriculum and prepares candidates for Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB eligibility and employment.
Medical Dosimetry Paths and Requirements
Depending on your educational background and interest, two paths are available for Radiation Therapists who want to prepare for the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) examination. Program length is the same for both the BAS degree or certificate.
The curriculum incorporates discipline-based, general education and elective courses built on progressive rigor and sophistication. The program receives ongoing review and guidance from its accrediting body (JRCERT) to maintain currency. Required core courses provide the technical knowledge and foundational skills to your success as medical dosimetrist.
Radiation & Imaging Sciences BAS Medical Dosimetry
This track is designed for certified radiation therapists who do not currently have a Bachelor’s degree. The degree includes 185 credits, 50 of those from national certification and 37 from prerequisite/co-requisite work. The other 98 credits are 300-400 level classes in the Radiation and Imaging Sciences and Healthcare Management and Leadership programs, as well as general education courses in economics, communications, and ethics.
Certificate of Achievement, Medical Dosimetry
The Medical Dosimetry certificate track is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree and who are ARRT certified Radiation Therapists who want to become Certified Medical Dosimetrists. The certificate includes 83 credits and 7 credits from prerequisite work. The credits are 300-400 level classes in the Radiation and Imaging Sciences Program.
Clinical Practicum
Admitted students within Washington State are provided clinical internship sites. Non-resident applicants who expect to participate in their clinical internship in another state must provide proof of a clinical preceptor and internship site. Students must be available 24-hours per week to participate in clinical internship.
If you are a prospective student from out of state and would like to have your clinic be a part of our Medical Dosimetry program, the requirements are:
- The institution must be accredited.
- Your preceptor must be a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) or Medical Physicist.
- A treatment planning workstation must be available to the student 3 days per week.
Find out more about clinical obligations …
The Bellevue College Medical Dosimetry Program is accredited by Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology . The curriculum meets the educational requirements for national certification that is required for employment in the United States. The Medical Dosimetry Certification Board is the agency responsible for individual certification.
Currently, no US state (including Washington) requires a specific state license solely for the practice of medical dosimetry. Instead, the profession is regulated by nationally recognized educational standards and voluntary credentialing, though state-level radiologic technology laws may apply if you also operate radiation equipment.
While state licenses aren’t mandated for dosimetrists directly, employment and compliance standards dictate the following:
1. National Certification (The Industry Standard)
Employers require certification through the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) to practice as a Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD). To sit for the MDCB exam, candidates must meet these strict criteria:
- Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited Medical Dosimetry program of at least 12 months. (The sole program in Washington state is hosted at Bellevue College).
2. State-Specific Overlap (Radiologic Technology)
Because medical dosimetrists sometimes handle or interact with radiation-producing machines and radioactive materials during their clinical duties, many states require them to hold a state Radiologic Technologist or Radiation Therapy License. State requirements are usually overseen by state departments of health or boards of radiologic imaging.
- If you are in WA: Washington state does not require additional licensing for dosimetrists themselves, but many professionals working in the field also carry ARRT registration.
National Licensing Boards: You can view state-by-state regulatory requirements using the ASRT States That Regulate database
Information on Gainful Employment Disclosure for this program is available at: