Pharmacology graduate considering Medical Physics advice

[JOEstolemycar]

Hello everybody. I graduated a few years ago with an MS in pharmacology. However, after two jobs where I did not get positions doing what I wanted to do, I am looking at what options I have for graduate school. For those of you who do not know the drug industry that well, you need to have a Phd/MD or PharmD (pharmacist degree) in order to get a respectable position. Otherwise, you are pretty much considered disposable in the job market. I have an interest in getting a PharmD, but it is limited as I not that strongly attracted to being a retail or clinical pharmacist that much. So to sum things up, I am basically looking for career options that are outside of the pharma/biotech world.

And thus, I stumbled across the world of medical physics, which seems to be a really interesting field utilizing analytical technologies. Since I'm working as a analytical chemist right now, I have to say that I am attracted to the thought of working with unique technologies, and I feel that I have the capability to handle this type of work. But at this time I am still researching the field to really see if it is worth it for me.

I noticed that most programs want the GRE, Calc 1+2+3, Physics 1+2, Chem 1+2, Bio 1+2, Diff EQ, Modern Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, and some other upper level class. I could apply but I have not taken the GREs, which I probably will soon. However, in order to be considered, I need to take Calc 3, diff eq, modern physics, electricity and magnetism, and another upper level physics course. I want to ask those of you on here: is it possible for me to take such classes part time in the evenings, or online? I currently have a job and my preference is to keep it - would I have to leave to take such courses?

Secondly, another thing that I should point out is that I took algebra-based physics 1+2 back in undergrad. Is this going to be a problem with admissions or with handling the upper level physics coursework?

I've laid out my entire situation here - can anybody here provide me with some feedback? I want to know if medical physics is a real possibility for me or not. Thanks in advance.

 

[PowerIso]

I cannot speak about graduate school and what your options are but I can speak about physics. Taking algebra based physics is not the same as taking calculus based physics. I would find it nearly impossible if not impossible to study upper level physics without calculus. I would say with 99% certainty you will have trouble with upper level physics without knowing introductory physics that is based off of calculus.

 

[JOEstolemycar]

Thanks for the input. It seems that I need to spend a good year completing a retake of Calc-physics 1+2 along with the other courses I am missing just to be even considered for medical physics. This will make things pretty interesting.