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Education
The VCU Medical Physics Graduate program received initial CAMPEP-accreditation in 2010 for both its M.S. and Ph.D. programs.
An overview of the graduate programs supported by the Division of Medical Physics
The Division of Medical Physics hosts three graduate programs, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) that prepare students for careers as clinical medical physicists, independent investigators and active contributors to the field.
Our students enter the program from diverse academic backgrounds including physics, nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering and other fields, and they go on to a variety of positions following graduation.
Accredited by CAMPEP in 2010...
The Master of Science in Medical Physics program, accredited by CAMPEP in 2010, provides students the foundational knowledge and hands-on clinical training necessary to practice as clinical medical physicists.
Full-time students complete the program in a minimum of two years. Please contact the program director if you’re interested in enrolling as a part-time or non-degree-seeking student.
Timeline | Step |
| 1st Fall Semester | MEDP 563 Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry MEDP 601 Health Physics MEDP 635 Physics of Diagnostic Imaging |
| 1st Spring Semester | MEDP 561 Anatomy for the Medical Physicist* MEDP 567 Introduction to Radiation Therapy Physics MEDP 630 Radiobiology for the Medical Physicist |
| 2nd Fall Semester | MEDP 682 Clinical Rotations in Medical Physics MEDP 689 Medical Physics Literature Review** MEDP 697 Directed Research |
| 2nd Fall Semester | Choose advisor & project prior to the beginning of 2nd year Fall semester MEDP 637 Physics of Nuclear Medicine |
| January 2nd Spring Semester | Submit application for graduation |
| 2nd Spring Semester | MEDP 682 Clinical Rotations in Medical Physics MEDP 689 Medical Physics Literature Review** MEDP 697 Directed Research |
| 2nd Spring Semester | Thesis |
| End of 2nd Spring Semester | Graduation! |
* This requirement may also be satisfied by demonstrating competence in anatomy through completion of an undergraduate or graduate anatomy course approved by the medical physics graduate curriculum committee
** Students may officially register for MEDP 689 (Journal Club) either in the spring or fall semester of the second year; however, all students in the program are required to attend journal club every semester
We have detailed descriptions of our course listings on the section of this page. Admission and degree requirements for the MS program can be found in the VCU Graduate Bulletin. A summary of these can be found in the . For a more detailed description of the program, department policies, and other relevant information, please refer to the VCU Medical Physics Graduate Program Student Handbook and the on this page.
Accredited by CAMPEP in 2010...
Accredited by CAMPEP in 2010, the Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics offers coursework and research training as it is applied to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Research interests include the following:
For full-time students, this doctoral program takes four to six years to complete. Please contact the program director if you’re interested in enrolling as a part-time or non-degree-seeking student.
Timeline | Step |
| 1st Fall Semester | MEDP 563 Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry MEDP 601 Health Physics MEDP 635 Physics of Diagnostic Imaging MEDP 697 Directed Research |
| 1st Spring Semester | MEDP 567 Introduction to Radiation Therapy Physics MEDP 630 Radiobiology for the Medical Physicist MEDP 636 Physics of MRI MEDP 697 Directed Research |
| 1st Summer Semester | MEDP 697 Directed Research OVPR 602 Responsible Scientific Conduct * |
| 2nd Fall Semester | MEDP 633 Advanced Radiation Therapy Physics MEDP 697 Directed Research Elective Elective |
| 2nd Spring Semester | MEDP 637 Physics of Nuclear Medicine MEDP 689 Medical Physics Literature Review ** MEDP 697 Directed Research |
| 2nd Spring Semester | Written Comprehensive Examination
|
| After the Written Comprehensive Exam | Work with advisor to select an advisory committee
|
| 2nd Summer Semester | MEDP 697 Directed Research *** OVPR 602 Responsible Scientific Conduct * |
| 2nd Summer/3rd Fall Semesters | Oral Comprehensive Examination
|
| First 2 weeks of Final Semester | Submit application for graduation |
| 1 month prior to defense | Complete draft of dissertation and submit to advisory committee for approval to proceed with defense |
| 2 weeks prior to defense | Schedule dissertation defense using GradTrak and submit form after obtaining signatures from advisor and Program Director |
| At least 2 weeks prior to end of semester | Dissertation Defense
|
| End of final semester | Graduation! |
* A Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course is required training for all students engaged in research activities
** Students must officially register once for MEDP 689 (Journal Club) at any point during their studies; however, all students in the program are required to attend journal club every semester
*** From this point forward, each semester the student registers for Directed Research plus electives as approved by the student's graduate advisory committee.
We have detailed descriptions of our course listings on the section of this page. Admission and degree requirements for the PhD program can be found in the VCU Graduate Bulletin. A summary of these can be found in the . For a more detailed description of the program, department policies, and other relevant information, please refer to the VCU Medical Physics Graduate Program Student Handbook and the on this page.
A one year program accredited by CAMPEP
This one-year program is intended for postdoctoral individuals seeking to enhance their credentials for admission into a medical physics residency position. Accredited by CAMPEP, it offers the coursework necessary to meet standards set by the ABR.
Certificate Suggested Timeline and Course Sequence
Timeline | Step |
| Fall Semester | MEDP 563 Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry MEDP 635 Physics of Diagnostic Imaging MEDP 601 Health Physics MEDP 689 Medical Physics Literature Review |
| Spring Semester | MEDP 561 Anatomy for the Medical Physicist MEDP 630 Radiobiology for the Medical Physicist MEDP 567 Introduction to Radiation Therapy Physics MEDP 636 Physics of MRI MEDP 637 Physics of Nuclear Medicine |
| End of Spring Semester | Graduation! |
We have detailed descriptions of our course listings on our Student Handbook (found in the Resources section below). Admission and degree requirements for the certificate program can be found in the VCU Graduate Bulletin. A summary of these can be found in the . For a more detailed description of the program, department policies, and other relevant information, please refer to the VCU Medical Physics Graduate Program Student Handbook and the on this page.
Apply to the graduate or certificate programs
To apply for any of our graduate programs, please complete and submit an electronic application through VCU’s graduate admissions page. For a fall semester start, the deadline application is Jan. 15. Late applications will not be accepted. Apply Now
Graduate Program Admissions Statistics by Year [View Image]
VCU Medical Physics Graduate Program admissions statistics since 2008 broken down by program.
Post-Graduation Job Placement Statistics by Year [View Image]
Job placement statistics for VCU Medical Physics graduates broken down by year of graduation and degree since 2008. As of yet, certificate program statistics are not available.
Cumulative Post-Graduation Job Placement Statistics [View Image]
Cumulative job placement statistics for VCU Medical Physics graduates broken down by degree. As of yet, certificate program statistics are not available.
The best parts of our graduate program are our students!
Medical Physics students [View Image]The best parts of our graduate program are our students!
Our program seeks to provide the knowledge and expertise to be able to succeed as clinical and research physicists, and our students take it one step further by seeking to improve the program and the field. The courses and research projects available to students push their academic and professional bounds, but they never cease to amaze us with their ambition, curiosity and dedication to the field.
The future of medical physics is in good hands!
Patrick Brunick
MS Student
Patrick Brunick
MS Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Patrick graduated from Georgia Tech in December 2008 with a BS in Nuclear & Radiological Engineering. He worked as a nuclear engineer for the U.S. Navy in Portsmouth, VA until July 2016, overseeing the refueling of nuclear powered submarines. During this time, he grew more interested in the medical applications of radiation and entered the VCU medical physics program in the fall of 2016. His current research involves the use of surface imaging and respiratory management during SBRT treatments. Outside of the classroom, Patrick enjoys playing and watching soccer, running, going to the beach whenever possible, and spending time with his wife and dogs.
Samantha Conrad
MS Student
Samantha Conrad
MS Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Samantha has an Associate's in Engineering and received her BS in Physics with a focus in Organic Chemistry from the University of Kansas in 2017. In her free time she enjoys playing soccer, cooking, hiking, and gardening.
Siqiu Wang
MS Student
Siqiu Wang
MS Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Areej Aljabal
PhD Student
Areej Aljabal
PhD Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Areej graduated from Purdue University in May 2016 with a Masters degree in medical physics. She is interested in MR research. In her free time, besides Facetiming with her baby girl Lulu, she enjoys cooking, fine jewelry designing, sketching and photography.
Advisor: Pei-Jan Lin
Dong Han
PhD Student
Dong Han
PhD Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Dong graduated from University of Colorado at Boulder, and Fudan University with M.S. degrees of Planetary Science and Nuclear Physics. He joined the VCU Medical Physics program in the fall of 2011. Dong's current research topic deals with Dual Energy CT and reconstrcution of CT images using Alternating Minimization.
Advisor: Jeffrey F. Williamson
Sarah Holler
PhD Student
Sarah Holler
PhD Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Sarah graduated from Bucknell University in May of 2016 with a B.S. in Physics. She became interested in medical physics during the summer after her junior year, when she worked at Washington University in St. Louis and participated in research with knowledge-based planning systems. She started the medical physics program at VCU in the fall of 2016 and is currently studying MR elastography. In her spare time, she plays ultimate, sings in her church choir, and does photography.
Advisor: Laura Padilla
Ben Lewis
PhD Student
Ben Lewis
PhD Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Ben graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2014 with an A.B. in Physics and a minor in Earth and Planetary Sciences. While at WashU, Ben worked at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology on the cyclotron production and chemical separation of manganese-52 for PET imaging, as well as the characterization of nuclear cross sections for natural chromium irradiated with protons. He entered the Medical Physics Ph.D. program at VCU in the fall of 2014. His current research involves creating a system for MRI based radiation therapy planning, and developing improved radiation therapy methods for prostate cancer. In his free time, Ben enjoys rock climbing, playing the violin, and working out.
Advisor: Taeho Kim
Rebecca "Nicky" Mahon
PhD Student
Rebecca "Nicky" Mahon
PhD Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Nicky graduated from the University of Virginia in December of 2009 with a BS in Physics and a minor in Theater Arts. She entered the Medical Physics program at VCU in the fall of 2013 and a MS student, after spending the interim time working as the Master Electrician and a Lighting Designer at Riverside Dinner Theater and as the Math Instructional Assistant for Germanna Community College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. While at UVA, she worked with the Quantum Optics, Quantum Fields research group on Poling Lithium Tanatalate crystals for various modes of quantum entanglement and quantum tomography sparking her research interest in medical imaging. During her time as a Master's student, she conducted research in the feasibility of conducting PET/SPECT/CT imaging with simultaneously present PET/SPECT isotopes with the Center for Molecular Imaging, and she began research on using imaging and texture features with CT and MRI images acquired throughout patent treatment to build predictive models for tumor response in patient with non-small cell lung cancer with Dr. Weiss and Dr. Hugo. The latter project has developed into the current focus of her PhD research which she officially began in May 2015 following graduation from the MS program. Nicky hopes to become involved in Medical Physics on the international level with the AAPM as she hopes to one day work abroad as a Medical Physicist.
Mark Ostyn
PhD Student
Mark Ostyn
PhD Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Mark graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho in 2011 with a BA in Physics, and then moved Bloomington, Indiana to attend Indiana University for graduate work. While in Indiana, he completed a BS in Engineering Physics from NNU in 2013, before earning a MS in Medical Physics in 2014 from IU. While at IU, he worked on a system for hyperpolarizing Helium-3 gas through MEOP techniques. He entered the Medical Physics program at VCU in the Fall of 2014 and is working on systems to manage patient motion. In his free time, Mark enjoys playing violin and guitar, grilling, and spending time with his wife.
Adviser: Siyong Kim
Matthew Riblett
PhD Student
Matthew Riblett
PhD Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
Bio sketch and interests: Matt graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2012 with a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and entered the VCU Medical Physics program in the fall of 2013. In the interim, he worked for the Rensselaer Radiation Measurement and Dosimetry Group producing tools for patient dose tracking and voxelized computational phantom simulation. Additionally, Matt worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developing GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo methods for the Reactor and Nuclear Systems Division for use on OLCF's TITAN supercomputer. His research work has focused on novel computational methods and HPC implementations for both Health and Medical Physics applications and he hopes to pursue similar work at VCU. When not in a classroom or a lab, Matt enjoys volunteering for US FIRST, vegetarian cooking and baking, spending time with friends, and playing with his dogs.
Advisor: Elisabeth Weiss
Liyanage
Certificate Student
Liyanage
Certificate Student
Radiation Oncology, Division of Medical Physics
What is the Medical Physics Graduate program curriculum at VCU?
Typical plans of study for the Masters, PhD, and Certificate degrees can be found in the Student Handbook and under the graduate program tab of this website.
How long does the program take to complete?
For full time students, the typical completion time for an MS degree is 2 years, a PhD is 4-6years, and the Certificate 1 year. Please note that there are time limits to complete a VCU graduate degree set forth by the university.
Can I enroll in the program as a part-time student?
Yes. If you’re interested in enrolling part-time, please contact the program director.
Can I enroll in classes as a non-degree seeking student?
Yes. If you’re interested in enrolling in classes as a non-degree seeking student, please contact the program director.
Do you offer evening/online courses?
No. Evening and online courses are not currently offered through the Medical Physics Graduate program.
How do I apply?
To apply to the VCU Medical Physics Graduate program, you must complete and submit an electronic application through the university's graduate admissions page. To learn more about the application process, please visit the VCU Graduate School website.
Please see the International Students section in the FAQ for information on international student applications.
What is the deadline?
The admissions deadline for the VCU Medical Physics Graduate program is January 15. New students are matriculated for the fall semester. Late applications will not be accepted.
Do you accept students for the spring semester?
Yes, but fall admissions are highly recommended. Please contact the program director for more details.
What are the admission requirements?
The admissions requirements and prerequisites for our PhD, MS, and graduate certificate programs can be found in the VCU Graduate Bulletin. Additionally, feel free to contact us; we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have regarding the program.
The list below summarizes the current requirements:
Do I have to connect with a potential graduate adviser before I begin the application process?
No - You’re welcome to contact faculty regarding their research projects, but you will not be paired with an adviser until after you've begun the program.
When do you notify candidates regarding the status of their application?
Typically, candidates are notified by March.
How do I apply as an international student?
To apply as an international student, please visit the Graduate School's International Admissions page or contact the Global Education Office.
What is the admissions deadline for international applications?
The admissions deadline for international applications is the same as the standard deadline – January 15. Late applications will not be accepted.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
The admissions requirements and prerequisites for our PhD, MS, and graduate certificate programs can be found in the VCU Graduate Bulletin. Additionally, feel free to contact us; we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have regarding the program.
The list below summarizes the current requirements:
Where can I learn more about international admissions at VCU?
For more information on international admissions, including general requirements, immigration services and English proficiency exams, please contact the Global Education Office.
How do I submit documents that are not in English?
You will need to get your documents officially translated when applying for the program. You can find a list of professional evaluators recognized by VCU on the International Admissions page, under the "Required materials" tab.
Who can help me with my visa?
Please contact the Global Education Office for information and advice regarding visas and immigration services.
How do I apply?
To apply to the VCU Medical Physics Graduate program, you must complete and submit an electronic application through the university's graduate admissions page. To learn more about the application process, please visit the VCU Graduate School website.
Please see the International Students section in the FAQ for information on international student applications.
What is the deadline?
The admissions deadline for the VCU Medical Physics Graduate program is January 15. New students are matriculated for the fall semester. Late applications will not be accepted.
Are GRE scores required to apply?
Yes. General GRE scores are required for your application.
What GRE institution code should I use?
The institution code for VCU is 5570. There is no need to use a department code.
Is the Physics GRE required?
No. Physics GRE scores are preferred but not required.
Is there a minimum or "cut-off" GRE score?
No. Our program does not have a minimum GRE score requirement. GRE scores are one of the many factors we consider when holistically evaluating applications.
My GRE scores are old, is that ok?
If your GRE scores are older than five years, we recommend you retake the GRE.
Do you require official transcripts?
Yes. The VCU Graduate School requires one original official transcript for application to the program. If the transcript is not in English, an official English translation is also required.
Do you accept international transcripts?
Yes. The VCU International Admissions requires only one original official transcript, and if it is not in English, an official English translation is also required. More information can be found under the "Required Materials" tab on the Intrenational Admission page.
My letters of recommendation are old. Is that ok?
The content of recommendation letters is strongly considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee, so recent letters are highly preferred. Please ensure your application includes the 3 required letters of recommendation.
Do I need proof of English proficiency?
Yes. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System test, or the Pearson Test of English. Please arrange for the testing agency to send the results to VCU (code 5570).
For more information on English proficiency exams, please refer to the general requirements on VCU's international admissions page.
Our department does not have minimum or "cut-off" English proficiency exams scores by which we filter applicants; your scores will be considered as one factor among many in your application.
I've earned my degree (bachelor's, MS, PhD) from an accredited institution in the US. Do I still need to take an English proficiency exam?
No. Please contact the program director for further information.
Are all students in the Medical Physics Graduate program funded?
MS and certificate students are not directly supported by the program at this time.
PhD students may be funded by our program with either a research assistantship (RA) or teaching assistantship (TA). For PhD students, your application to the graduate program effectively serves as your financial aid application.
Where can I learn more about tuition and fees?
You can learn more through VCU’s Student Accounting website. This page also provides information regarding costs and payment plans, as well as a tuition calculator for cost estimates.
Where can I learn more about financial aid at VCU?
Please contact VCU’s Financial Aid Office (MCV Campus) or visit the Financial Aid website for more information.
Are there any scholarships or fellowships available?
There are many external funding opportunities available; the ones listed below are just a few examples:
I’m interested in medical physics, but I haven’t had much experience in the field. Is that OK?
Yes. The Medical Physics Graduate Program is designed, in part, for non-traditional students hailing from varied backgrounds and experiences.
However, there are some prerequisites. Your math education should be at least through differential equations and your physics education must include upper-level physics courses. For more information, please see our admission requirements.
Can I transfer credits from another school?
Yes, but there are limitations. Please see the Graduate Bulletin website for information on the university’s transfer credit policies.
Can I transfer credits from VCU?
Yes, but there are limitations. Please see the Graduate Bulletin website for information on the university’s transfer credit policies.
I already have an MS in medical physics and want to pursue a PhD at VCU. How does this work?
The PhD program requires 18 credits of post-masters didactic coursework. This is applicable whether you graduated with an MS in medical physics from VCU and are now coming back for your PhD, or you obtained your degree from another institution.
The 18 credits must be relevant to your PhD research project and can be selected with the guidance of your PhD adviser.
Please note that one of the requirements of our PhD program is a comprehensive written candidacy exam that includes all medical physics topics covered in our core curriculum. All PhD students have to pass this exam, regardless of where past courses were taken.
I already have an MS degree, but it’s NOT in medical physics. How do I pursue a PhD at VCU?
The PhD program requires 18 credits of post-masters didactic coursework.
If you enter with an MS from a discipline other than medical physics, the 18 credits of required post-masters didactic coursework would mainly be comprised of medical physics courses. A specific list of courses can be determined with help from your PhD adviser.
Is there parking available for students and residents on campus?
Yes. VCU offers parking to both students and employees. Transportation around campus is provided free-of-charge via the RamRide and RamSafe shuttle services. Additionally, transportation around Richmond using the GRTC public transit system is available to VCU students and employees at a reduced rate.
For the most up-to-date parking rates and transportation information, please visit the VCU Parking and Transportation site.
Where can I find more information about the Richmond (RVA) area?
If you want to know a bit about VCU, a good place to start is the main VCU website. VCU's All About Richmond page has additional details on living and studying in RVA.
Information for prospective students, ranging from the application processes to financial aid, can be found on VCU's Admissions page. VCU's Graduate School website also provides a listing of university resources and services.
For international students, the Global Education Office's website provides additional information, resources, and contacts.
For official correspondences with the Medical Physics Educational Programs, please address requests and inquiries to the following address:
VCU Department of Radiation Oncology
Medical Physics Educational Programs
401 College Street, Box 980058
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0058
P: +1.804.628.7780
F: +1.804.827.1861
E: medphys@vcu.edu
For additional information regarding our educational programs, prospective student and resident tours, or admissions, please contact our amazing program coordinator:
Katie Goracke
Graduate and Residency Program Coordinator
P: +1.804.628.7780
E: medphys@vcu.edu
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