Certificate in Medical Physics for Penn Predoctoral Students

Overview

The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) ruled in July 2024 that an earned CAMPEP-accredited MS or PhD degree in medical physics or certificate program in medical physics is a requirement for medical physics residency admission.  Previously, CAMPEP allowed the certificate curriculum (CAMPEP core courses) to be taken without formal enrollment in a certificate program as a pathway to residency.  The new CAMPEP policy allows concurrent enrollment in a non-CAMPEP-accredited PhD program and CAMPEP-accredited certificate in medical physics program.  Therefore, PhD students at the University of Pennsylvania with a desire for a career in medical physics may apply for admission to the CAMPEP-accredited Certificate in Medical Physics program at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM).

Interested students should meet with their PhD advisor(s) and Graduate Group Chair to discuss the feasibility of applying for this academic option to be completed concurrently with the doctoral degree.

Curriculum

The Certificate in Medical Physics curriculum includes coursework in radiological physics, radiation protection, medical imaging, medical ethics/government regulation, anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, the physics of radiation therapy, and professional development. Six course units (CU) (18 semester hours total) and two professional development seminars (0 CU) are required for the Certificate.

Admission Eligibility

• Current enrollment at the University of Pennsylvania in a PhD program in physics or a related field (e.g., engineering, computer science or physical chemistry)
• *Earned minimum of an undergraduate minor in physics or its equivalent

Application Requirements

The application must contain the following to be considered complete:

1. *Transcript(s) of all post-secondary (post-high school) institutions attended and unofficial transcript from University of Pennsylvania
2. Current CV/résumé (uploaded by applicant into online application)
3. Three letters of recommendation, including one from the applicant’s faculty academic/doctoral advisor (contact information of recommenders required in online application; application system will ask these individuals to upload their letters)
4. ***Personal statement (uploaded by applicant into online application)
5. Submit application by deadline

The application fee will be waived for University of Pennsylvania students enrolled in an eligible PhD program. Applicants should contact MPP-info@uphs.upenn.edu for a fee waiver code before submitting the application.

More information on requirements marked by asterisk (*) may be found on the Admission page.

Admission Process

The Certificate in Medical Physics online application for admission opens September 16, 2024.  The application deadline is November 1st, 2024.  To apply, visit the Admission page.

Select applicants will be invited to interview virtually.  Admitted applicants will be given conditional admission as the PhD degree must be earned before the Certificate can be issued.

Transfer Credit

Previously successfully completed MPHY courses taken at PSOM that are required for the Certificate in Medical Physics curriculum will be approved for internal transfer credit.

Awarding of Certificate

Upon successful completion of the PhD degree and Certificate in Medical Physics, the transcript will show both programs as concurrently awarded.

Contact

Questions about this co-enrollment option may be directed to the MPGP Team at MPP-info@uphs.upenn.edu  or 215-662-3617.