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The CAMPEP-accredited Master of Science (M.S.)  in Medical Physics program at Washington University in St. Louis provides for students to learn fundamental concepts and techniques in the field of medical physics.   Students in the program will be exposed to a wide array of diagnostic medical imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety approaches and techniques.  Opportunities are also provided for students to perform cutting-edge research with renowned investigators. These experiences will equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to further their careers in medical physics.


Graduates of the program will:

  • have an understanding of the role of patient safety in clinical physics
  • have the necessary physical and scientific background for a career in medical physics
  • use research and inquiry to acquire knowledge
  • gain the ability to critically evaluate research and scholarship
  • pose new questions and solve problems in medical physics


The program will also help develop the professional and interpersonal skills necessary for success in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The program has adopted the AAPM’s philosophy of medical physics 3.0, which is based on developing intelligent tools and applications for the future of precision medicine, and has been developed based on anticipating the future needs of the medical applications of physics.   Through a mixture of didactic training and hands-on experience, students in the program are introduced to a broad array of cutting-edge tools and techniques and their use in the various disciplines of medical physics and patient care.


The objectives of the M.S. in Medical Physics program are:

  • To equip students with sufficient theoretical and practical background knowledge in medical physics to enable entry into CAMPEP-accredited clinical residency programs or to pursue careers in industry or regulatory environments
  • To prepare students for careers in academic medical physics by exposing them to cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art technology
Current Master of Science in Medical Physics students – Fall 2023

This Master of Science in Medical Physics program is offered through the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine. The program is led by Program Director Michael B. Altman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, and Assistant Program Director Tiezhi Zhang, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology.

The Master of Science in Medical Physics program endeavors to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds and lifestyles, in accordance with Washington University School of Medicine’s focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.  Washington University School of Medicine’s culture of collaboration and inclusion is the foundation for success in everything it does. The School of Medicine recognizes that by bringing together people from varying backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise, it can develop richer solutions to complex scientific questions, train culturally sensitive clinicians and provide health care in a way that best serves our diverse patient population. To support these values, the School of Medicine is deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive community in which everyone is welcomed and valued.   Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, socio-economic status, and/or genetic information. We implement policies and practices that support the inclusion of all such potential students, trainees and employees and are committed to being an institution that is accessible to everyone who learns, conducts research, works and seeks care on our campus and we provide reasonable accommodations to those seeking that assistance.

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