Medical Physics : Department of Radiology

Graduate Studies in Medical Physics

The University of New Mexico Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering and the School of Medicine Department of Radiology have united to create a Master of Science in Chemical/Nuclear Engineering with a concentration in Medical Physics. The program is administered through the Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering. The University of New Mexico Master of Science Program in Medical Physics received its accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Program (CAMPEP) in December of 2009.

Until further notice, the Medical Physics option of the Nuclear Engineering MS graduate program will not be accepting new applicants. Other options in the Nuclear Engineering graduate program are still open. Information on these programs still accepting applications can be obtained at the ChNE web site.

Program Prerequisites

A technical bachelor's degree.
One year of general college physics with laboratory
(purely descriptive courses are insufficient; calculus based courses are desired).
One year of general college chemistry with laboratory.
One year of differential and integral calculus.
A survey course in general biology, human biology or mammalian physiology.
32 hours of science and math.

Leveling

In most cases, students entering the program have the necessary prerequisites so little leveling is required. However, in addition to the prerequisites listed above, a course in differential equations such as: Math 316 - Ordinary Differential Equations is required. This may be taken during the summer or the first fall semester.

Curriculum

There are 39 hours required for the Masters in Nuclear Engineering with a concentration in the Medical Physics Option. There are no electives in this curriculum. The M.S. degree does not require a thesis.

Examination

The Graduate School requires a Master's Comprehensive Examination that can be either written or oral, or both. For this program, this will be a written and oral comprehensive exam in the area of medical radiation physics. It will cover material from the core classes and experience acquired through the practicum.

In addition to the qualifying examination, a student wishing to obtain a Master’s degree must complete the department’s course requirements as well as the residence requirement of the Graduate School (two full-time semesters).

Grades

For the University, a student must maintain a GPA of a least 3.0 in all courses taken for graduate credit. A student is placed on probation after 2 NC/F's and will be removed from the program if a third NC or F is received. For this program, the student maintains at least a 3.3 GPA in all courses that apply towards the degree.

Financial Support

Some teaching assistant positions and research assistance positions may be available and are awarded on a semester basis to graduate students. These appointments are usually at the level of one-third time.

AAPM

All medical physics graduate students should consider becoming a student member of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). The following is a link to their application page. http://www.aapm.org/memb/prospect/apply.asp
Take some time to browse the AAPM website to learn about the association.

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