Postgraduate Certificate: Medical Physics

For people who want to use their physics and/or engineering skills for the benefit of society. You have already obtained a diploma of Master in Medical Radiation Physics or Master of Medical Physics and want to further specialize in the practical aspects of medical (radiation) physics.

After a master’s degree in medical (radiation) physics, this postgraduate programme offers a further specialization with a strong focus on the practical aspects of medical (radiation) physics. Apart from a limited set of courses, the programme mainly consists of an internship in one of the three specializations of medical (radiation) physics, i.e. radiology, radiotherapy, or nuclear medicine. This provides you with the necessary hands-on experience to work as a medical physicist, primarily in the clinical environment of a hospital but also in (medical physics-related) industry, in government services, or in research.
The internship is carried out under the supervision of a recognized medical physicist in one of the research departments of the UZ Leuven hospital or in another recognized hospital where you can gain extensive practical experience. At least 2 months of this internship should be spent in the university hospital. During this internship you learn and practice the legally required competencies for the chosen specialization, with an emphasis on quality assurance and quality control. You get in touch with advanced technology and techniques and learn to handle and use these. As such, you also get in close contact with the medical and medical care staff.
This postgraduate certificate is a necessary requirement to function as a medical physicist in a clinical environment. A total of 12 months of internship are required by law to be able to apply for the certificate of medical physics expert (‘Deskundige in de medische stralingsfysica’) from the Federal Agency of Nuclear Control (FANC/AFNC). Other possible professional outcomes as a medical physicist (e.g. in industry, governmental institutions, or research) usually also require this certificate.
A medical physics expert working in a hospital has an important responsibility related to e.g. dosimetry, quality assurance and quality control (of procedures and equipment for diagnostics and therapy), and support of the medical team in drawing up clinical plannings patient radiation treatments. He must thus remain informed about the latest developments in the field (new safety standards, recent research, new devices, etc.) through continuous training and self-study. Apart from providing the relevant basic knowledge and learning the necessary skills, the programme therefore pays special attention to critical, independent and science-based thinking and reasoning. You will also be trained in taking important decisions in an independent and responsible manner.
The full programme can be found at https://onderwijsaanbod.kuleuven.be/opleidingen/e/CQ_50865896.htm(opent in nieuw venster)