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Occupation AtlasMedical Dosimetrists

O*NET · 29-2036.00

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

Also called CMD · CMD (Certified Medical Dosimetrist) · Dosimetrist · Medical Dosimetrist · Medical Physicist · Medical Radiation Dosimetrist · Radiation Dosimetrist · Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist
2 more

Radiation Therapy Dosimetrist (RT Dosimetrist) · RT Dosimetrist

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ICR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Optometrists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ICRInvestigative · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative5.30
  • C Conventional5.00
  • R Realistic4.57
  • S Social3.57
  • E Enterprising2.21
  • A Artistic1.32

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Post-Secondary Certificate5%
  • Bachelor's Degree40%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate35%
  • Master's Degree15%
  • First Professional Degree5%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (35%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (30%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (20%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Complex Problem Solving3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Mathematicsbasic3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Monitoringbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Time Management3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Active Learningbasic3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Social Perceptiveness3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
Show the other 23
  • Sciencebasic3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Service Orientation3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Coordination3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Systems Analysis3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Instructing3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Systems Evaluation3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Persuasion2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Operations Monitoring2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Negotiation2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Quality Control Analysis2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Analysis2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Troubleshooting2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Programming2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Technology Design1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Equipment Selection1.3—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

16 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Design the arrangement of radiation fields to reduce exposure to critical patient structures, such as organs, using computers, manuals, and guides.4.9
  2. Calculate, or verify calculations of, prescribed radiation doses.4.8
  3. Calculate the delivery of radiation treatment, such as the amount or extent of radiation per session, based on the prescribed course of radiation therapy.4.8
  4. Identify and outline bodily structures, using imaging procedures, such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography.4.8
  5. Plan the use of beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters, to ensure safe and effective delivery of radiation treatment.4.8
  6. Develop radiation treatment plans in consultation with members of the radiation oncology team.4.7
  7. Supervise or perform simulations for tumor localizations, using imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography scans.4.6
  8. Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for treatment delivery, using image-guided radiation therapy.4.5
  9. Record patient information, such as radiation doses administered, in patient records.4.3
  10. Advise oncology team members on use of beam modifying or immobilization devices in radiation treatment plans.4.2
  11. Fabricate beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters.3.9
  12. Perform quality assurance system checks, such as calibrations, on treatment planning computers.3.9
Show the other 7
  1. Fabricate patient immobilization devices, such as molds or casts, for radiation delivery.3.8
  2. Develop requirements for the use of patient immobilization devices and positioning aides, such as molds or casts, as part of treatment plans to ensure accurate delivery of radiation and comfort of patient.3.7
  3. Teach medical dosimetry, including its application, to students, radiation therapists, or residents.3.6
  4. Conduct radiation oncology-related research, such as improving computer treatment planning systems or developing new treatment devices.3.0
  5. Develop treatment plans, and calculate doses for brachytherapy procedures.4.3
  6. Measure the amount of radioactivity in patients or equipment, using radiation monitoring devices.3.5
  7. Educate patients regarding treatment plans, physiological reactions to treatment, or post-treatment care.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mathematics4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Physics4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Computers and Electronics4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Biology3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • English Language3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Medicine and Dentistry3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Design3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Education and Training3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Customer and Personal Service3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Public Safety and Security2.92.9
  • Administrative2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Engineering and Technology2.62.6
  • Production and Processing2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Chemistry2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Communications and Media2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Administration and Management2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Telecommunications2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Law and Government2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Psychology2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Mechanical1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Therapy and Counseling1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Sales and Marketing1.2—
  • Transportation1.2—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.14.5Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Written Comprehension4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Near Vision3.93.8
  • Oral Expression3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Expression3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Speech Clarity3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Information Ordering3.64.1
  • Category Flexibility3.53.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Number Facility3.33.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Far Vision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Selective Attention3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visualization3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Originality3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Control Precision2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Memorization2.62.6
  • Speed of Closure2.62.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual Dexterity2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory Attention2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Trunk Strength2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Depth Perception2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Multilimb Coordination1.40.4
  • Reaction Time1.3—
  • Extent Flexibility1.1—
  • Response Orientation1.1—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Static Strength1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.84.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.55.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.45.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.35.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.35.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.35.7
Show all 41
  • Getting Information4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.05.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Thinking Creatively3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Developing and Building Teams3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Training and Teaching Others3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.83.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.72.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.72.9
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.62.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.42.9
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Time Pressure5.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.9
  • E-Mail4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Spend Time Sitting4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.8
  • Consequence of Error4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.2

Technology

4 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Eclipse IDEhot
  • Epic Systemshot

Hot (1; 2 more marked hot above)

  • MEDITECH software
Other tools (1)
  • Medical condition coding software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Radiation Therapists
  2. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
  3. Radiologists
  4. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
  5. Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
  6. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  7. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  8. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
  9. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  10. Neurodiagnostic Technologists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.