(ABMP) Medical Health - (ABMP) Medical Health

The Medical Health credential is offered by the American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP). The ABMP certifies physicists and related scientists to practice clinical medical physics. ABMP currently has almost 600 certified physicists in active roles. It offers ongoing programs for the maintenance of certification (MOC) for its clinicians in Radiation Therapy Physics, Diagnostic Imaging Physics, Nuclear Medicine Physics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics, and Medical Health Physics. It issues certificates to candidates who have demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency by completing comprehensive written and oral examinations.

ABMP offers three certificates in the field of radiological sciences:

1. Magnetic resonance imaging physics

2. Medical health physics

3. MRI physics for radiation therapy

It tests the candidates’ experience and practical knowledge in the areas of current radiation protection standards and practices. There are also clinical experience requirements based on the education level of the applicant.

Upon passing the prerequisite examination (Part I) in either General Medical Physics or Magnetic Resonance Science, and both the written (Part II) and oral (Part III) examinations in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics, the candidate may be identified as a Certified Medical Physicist, or more specifically, as a Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Physics with a Special Competence in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics.

Costs

There are three parts to the certification process. The costs for all three parts range from $825 to $1711, depending on whether the applicant receives a discounted rate for being a member of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM).

Part 1 On-site Online Exam:

• $348 or $361 through Paypal

• ISMRM discount $174 or $181 though Paypal

Part II On-site Online Exam:

• $608 or $630 through Paypal

• ISMRM members pay $304 or $315 through Paypal)

Part III On-site Oral Exam:

• $695 or $720 through Paypal

• Conditional Re-take: $347 or $360 through Paypal

ISMRM membership costs:

• $220 for Full Membership and both electronic journals

• $420 for Full Membership and one print journal (JMRI or MRM)

• $620 for Full Membership and both print journals

The initial ABMP certification will be for 5 years and must be renewed every 5 years thereafter in order to maintain certification. If your recertification application is not received with appropriate CEC’s and supporting documents, you will be removed from the list of duly certified diplomates.

Renewal Fees

• Until January 31, 2023: $550 or $567 through Paypal

• February 1, 2023 - April 1, 2023: Must pay a late fee. Total for renewal with late fee: $690 or $711 through Paypal

• Reinstatement of Expired Credential (after April 1, 2023): $825 or $850 though Paypal

Recertification by the ABMP requires at least 125 continuing education credits (CECs) every five years.

CEC categories include:

• Category 1: must be planned by an accredited CE provider (minimum of 65 CECs)

  • National meetings

  • Refresher courses

  • Workshops

  • Symposiums

  • Lectures

• Category 2: self-assessment credits (maximum of 60 CECs)

  • Practice-based self-study

  • Consultations with colleagues

  • Teaching

  • Conferences

  • Journal clubs

  • In-service presentations

  • Books or chapters read or published

  • Journal articles read or published

For a full list of accepted CECs, refer to the last page of the Recertification Application.

The ABMP offers exam descriptions, content outlines, sample questions, imaging and other diagnostic studies, and suggested references for Part I, Part II and Part III of the exam.

The American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP) also offers the following:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• MRI for Radiation Therapy

The Diagnostic Imaging credential is only available for renewal.