AUG. 8, 2003 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is starting one of the nation’s first degree programs in medical dosimetry and will offer bachelor degrees and advanced certificates.

Medical dosimetrists work as part of radiation therapy teams in hospitals and radiation therapy centers, calculating the proper doses of radiation for individual patients. Dosimetrists use computer programs and three-dimensional images to calculate the doses.

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently gave final approval to UAMS to offer the degree. The other dosimetry programs are in Texas, California, Massachusets, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Dean Ronald H. Winters, PH.D., of the UAMS College of Health Related Professions, said,

“A widely distributed survey clearly confirmed the need for this program. We look forward to helping patient care facilities across Arkansas and elsewhere meet their needs for qualified dosimetrists.”

Nikos Papanikolaou, Ph.D., will direct the medical dosimetry program, which will be part of the Department of Radiation Therapy in the College of Health Related Professions. Debra Tomlinson chairs the department, jointly supported by CARTI (Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute). The program will accept its first class in the fall of 2004. For more information about the degree/certificate program, call the Department of Radiation Therapy at (501) 686-7100.