How to become a medical dosimetrist

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

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..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.

What medical dosimetrists do

• Design the arrangement of radiation fields to reduce exposure to critical patient structures, such as organs, using computers, manuals, and guides.
• Plan the use of beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters, to ensure safe and effective delivery of radiation treatment.
• Identify and outline bodily structures, using imaging procedures, such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography.
• Calculate the delivery of radiation treatment, such as the amount or extent of radiation per session, based on the prescribed course of radiation therapy.
• Calculate, or verify calculations of, prescribed radiation doses.
• Develop radiation treatment plans in consultation with members of the radiation oncology team.

Skills that matter most

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Monitoring
• Science

Is medical dosimetrist a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 189% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Washington $189,280
• Oregon $183,990
• New Jersey $170,650
• New York $166,540
• Illinois $163,860

Medical Dosimetrists salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.