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2021-2022 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]
Medical Physics, MS
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 Return to: School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of HCLAS
Adjunct Associate Professor Chang, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5583
The Master of Science in medical physics is a 39-semester hour program designed for completion in two years of full-time study; part-time students are also welcome. The MS in medical physics offers students a strong foundation in the basic science of medical physics and training in the primary sub-specialties of medical physics (therapeutic medical physics, diagnostic medical physics, radiation protection, and nuclear medical physics). The program includes clinical experience in mentored practicums at sites within the Northwell Health system as well as occasional seminars with guest lecturers from the health sciences and industry. The program also offers students the opportunity to participate in basic, applied, and clinical research in medical physics, as well as training in the oral and written communication of medical physics research and ideas.
The goals of the MS in Medical Physics program are to prepare students for:
- Higher education in medical physics programs.
- Residency positions in medical physics programs.
- Junior clinical medical physicist positions, under supervision of a qualified medical physicist.
- Meeting the ethical, safety, and service standards of the profession of medical physics.
The MS program in medical physics is taught by a combined staff from Hofstra University, Northwell Health, and other health systems, under the supervision of a director from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Hofstra University and an assistant director from Northwell Health.
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Admission Requirements
- Applicants are required to present evidence of a baccalaureate or graduate degree in physics or in an allied science with a minor in physics from a regionally fully accredited institution. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Particular emphasis is placed on physics and mathematics course performance.
- Official transcripts of degrees must be submitted. These must show evidence of satisfactory course work (grades of B or higher) in calculus (equivalent to Hofstra University’s MATH 071-073), differential equations (equivalent to Hofstra University’s MATH 131), introductory general physics (equivalent to Hofstra University’s PHYS 011A, 011B, 012A, 012B), modern physics (equivalent to Hofstra University’s PHYS 118A), electricity and magnetism (equivalent to Hofstra University’s PHYS 104), and 6 semester hours of additional advanced mathematics or physics courses. Most students with a degree in physics or engineering meet these requirements.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Standardized test scores. The GRE is not required; however, students may submit GRE scores in support of their applications, including the physics subject test if available. For non-native speakers of English, a TOEFL test may be required unless waived by the program directors, after having received evidence of English-language proficiency. The cut-off score is 80 (Internet-based), 550 (paper-based). Alternatively, students may submit IELTS scores (cut-off 6.5).
- A statement of purpose that summarizes the candidate’s background and rationale for applying to the program.
- A phone interview and an optional on-site interview, scheduled at the request of the student or the program director.
- A curriculum vitae for students who have prior work experience. The following qualifications strongly support a student’s candidacy for admission and will be taken into account:
- Potential for analytical and critical thinking, laboratory and clinical work, and personal growth;
- Prior exposure to clinical medical physics or clinical medicine — for example as a volunteer;
- Prior research experience; and
- Skill in a major second language in the United States, such as Spanish.
- Partial assistantships and scholarship funds may be available to support students with financial needs. In order to be considered for these, applications for admission must be received by January 15th of the year in which admission is sought.
1) Required Courses - Total Semester Hours: 39
Students failing any required course with less than a “C-” grade will be required to repeat the course.
39 s.h. of course work including the following: Note*
*A student enrolled in a medical physics practicum (MPHY 226 , 235 or 245 ) who has not taken the licensure examination or met experience requirements to practice medical physics must apply for a limited permit to practice medical physics in New York state. A limited permit authorizes the student to practice as a medical physicist under the supervision of a currently registered New York state-licensed medical physicist, and only in the supervisor’s specialty area. When applying for a limited permit, it is the applicant’s responsibility to complete the New York State Certification of Supervision Section I, forward it to his or her prospective supervisor, and ensure that the prospective supervisor fully completes the Certification of Supervision Section II. There is a fee for the limited license, which expires two years from the date of issue, and may be renewed for a total of six years.
2) B Average or Higher
A minimum average GPA of 3.0 (a “B” letter grade) must be maintained throughout the program. Students falling below the minimum average GPA may be put on academic probation for one semester or asked to leave the program, at the discretion of the graduate program director and upon advisement of the Steering Committee.
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Return to: School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of HCLAS
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