Importance of CAMPEP Accreditation

[Shooter2]

Hi all,

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Physics, considering the possibility of applying to graduate school for medical physics when I graduate. My question for you is, how important is CAMPEP (Commision on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs) accreditation for residencies/entry level jobs?

Thanks for your responses.

 

[Choppy]

It's important enough that if I were an undergrad contemplating a career in medical physics, that graduate schools with CAMPEP accreditation would be my first choices.

The reasons for this:
(1) CAPMPEP certifies that the program covers the basic course and lab requirements necessary for one to begin work as a medical physics resident or junior physicist. Hence, someone starting out in the field, you know that your education will include the necessary tools you need for the work in your career.

This is as opposed to some programs that may claim 'medical physics' specialization in that your graduate project involves something related to medicine, but that don't provide you with an appropriate clinical background for the profession.

(2) A potential employer can look at your CV and immediately know that your background knowledge is sufficient for an entry-level position. It is important to point out that there are many non-accredited programs out there that also give you a sufficient background, but you have the extra hurdle of communicating that to the employer. It has been my experience, that all-else being equal, graduates from accredited programs are given preference over those from non-accredited programs.

(3) Shortly (ie. will likely apply to those students starting graduate studies now), requirements for board certification in the US will require that applicants come from accredited residencies and later graduate programs. Personally, I'm not sure exactly how this is going to work, as I don't think there are enough accredited programs to fill the need, but this is the direction of things.


I might also add that just because a program isn't currently accedited, it doesn't mean they won't be by the time your graduate. During the application process, one question that would be important to ask is whether or not there are any plans to seek accreditation.

 

[Shooter2]

Excellent, thank you for the helpful reply Choppy. That really clears up my question.