Master of Medical Physics Program
The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the School of Arts and Sciences, in conjunction with the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology in the School of Medicine, is pleased to offer the Master of Medical Physics (MMP) degree. This program meets the academic and career interests of technically prepared college graduates who seek to combine their interests in graduate physics with growing career opportunities in the field of medicine. The practice of modern medical physics requires highly educated and well-trained problem solvers to aid in development, implementation and on-going maintenance of highly technical clinical equipment.
The MMP program will provide students with rigorous training in essential graduate physics courses as well as more traditional coursework in biology and medical physics. The program offers a well-rounded education, balancing classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. Students will be introduced to both clinical and research aspects of medical physics through The University of Pennsylvania Health System’s (UPHS) state-of-the-art medical imaging and therapy facilities. The traditional problem-solving techniques emphasized in physics graduate training will enable students to address a wide variety of problems encountered in the modern medical environment and to evolve with the field as it continues to embrace the most advanced technologies. The program will also stress communication, ethics and responsibility (in both clinical and research settings) promoting the highest possible standards in patient care. Full-time students will complete the program in two years. In the second year, students will spend a significant amount of their time completing appropriate clinical rotations in the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Part-time study may be possible, and will be considered on an individual basis by the program director.
After graduation, students may be selected to enter a Medical Physics Residency program in the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS). This program is one year in length, renewable for a second year. This clinical experience would count towards the requirements for certification by the American Board of Radiology.