Medical Physics (ABR) - ABR-Certified Diplomat in Medical Physics

The American Board of Radiology (ABR) Certification in Medical Physics is a professional credential for physicists who specialize in applying the principles of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of disease, particularly in radiology. This certification validates expertise in one or more of the following subspecialties: Therapeutic Radiological Physics, Diagnostic Radiological Physics, and Medical Nuclear Physics.

Completion Time: The certification process involves several years of education and training, including a graduate degree in medical physics, a residency, and passing board examinations.

Cost: 

• Application fee: $250

• Part 1 exam fee: $250 (charged once application is approved and due before registration for Part 1). If you do not fully pass the Part 1 exam, a one-time $250 re-exam fee will be charged to retake.

• Part 2 exam fee: $640 (charged once application is approved and due before registration for Part 2. If you do not fully pass the Part 2 exam, a one-time $250 re-exam fee will be charged to retake.

• Part 3 (Oral) exam fee: $780 (charged once you’ve passed the Part 2 exam and due before registration for Part 3. If you do not fully pass the Part 3 exam, a one-time $390 re-exam fee will be charged to retake.

Education and Training Requirements

A graduate degree (PhD or Master’s) in medical physics from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) or an equivalent.

Completion of a CAMPEP-accredited residency program in medical physics.

Board Examinations

A series of exams that assess knowledge and skills in medical physics. These include:

• Part 1: General medical physics knowledge.

• Part 2: Specialty-specific medical physics knowledge.

• Part 3 (Oral Exam): Clinical competence and problem-solving skills in the chosen specialty.

Submit an application to ABR and meet all eligibility requirements.

Successfully pass all required examinations.

ABR certification in Medical Physics requires participation in the MOC program, which includes continuous learning and practice improvement activities.

MOC involves periodic self-assessment, continuing education, and potentially re-examination.

Continuing education in medical physics, new technologies, and best practices is essential for maintaining certification and staying current in the field.

This may include attending conferences, workshops, and online courses.

For specific information regarding ABR Certification in Medical Physics, including detailed requirements, examination schedules, and the MOC program, it is recommended to consult directly with the American Board of Radiology. Additionally, professional societies in medical physics, such as the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), provide resources and support for professionals pursuing and maintaining certification in this field.

Career Opportunities

Board-certified medical physicists work in hospital radiology departments, cancer treatment centers, and academic institutions.

They play critical roles in patient safety, development and quality assurance of radiological procedures, and research in radiological techniques and treatments.

The ABR also offers the following certifications:

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Diagnostic Radiology (DR)

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Interventional Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology (IR/DR)

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Radiation Oncology (Radiation Oncology)