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FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions - Medical Physics/Health Physics
Do I need to be a physics major in college to go into medical physics?
Graduate students in medical physics come from a variety of backgrounds - physics and engineering are common. However, all students must have a solid background in physics, including a year of calculus-based general physics, and upper-level courses in mechanics, E&M, modern physics and experimental lab. Often, some engineering courses are sufficiently equivalent.
What are the GRE and GPA requirements for entry into the Program?
The LSU Graduate School requires a minimum score of 1100 on the GRE and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Please note that for the past 3 years, entering medical physics students had an average GRE of about 1250 and average GPA of about 3.5. No subject test is required for the M.S. program.
Can I earn a PhD in medical physics at LSU?
Yes, although the LSU Physics Department does not currently offer a dedicated PhD in medical physics program, students working on a PhD in Physics are eligible to specialize in medical physics. Upon completion of the core curricula in Physics and the written general exam, students may specialize in a medical physics dissertation topic.
After completing the MS program, will I be capable of entering a medical physics PhD program?
Yes. The academic instruction in the first year of the MS program is comparable to that of other medical physics graduate programs. In recent years, some of our MS graduates have gone on to other PhD programs.
How many students do you accept each year? When are applications due? Do you offer graduate assistantships or other forms of financial support?
We accept 4-6 students per year, with all students beginning in the Fall semester. We begin reviewing applications in late January and competitive applicants are invited to interview in February and early March. Offer letters are extended in priority of applicant rating, usually by March 15. Most acceptance offers include financial support in the form of a graduate assistantship or fellowship.
Do you accept international students?
All students are welcome to apply; however, international students currently in the U.S. receive consideration for admission if their undergraduate degree is from a four-year college within the U.S.
What are the institution and department codes for GRE reporting?
Institution: 6373 - (Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge)
Department: 0808 - (Physics)
Do students in your program generally specialize in learning one specific area of medical physics (medical imaging, radiation therapy, radiation safety), or is the program geared more toward a general knowledge of all medical physics areas?
Courses cover all areas of medical physics; however, the advanced courses and clinical rotations are focused on radiation therapy. For the final year, students focus on their area of research, typically in radiation therapy physics or medical imaging physics.
On average, how long does it take to complete the master's program?
Three (3) years.
Do you accept students who are deficient in one or two classes (for example, physics, math or chemistry) and allow them to take those classes while pursuing the master's degree?
Deficiencies are handled on a case-by-case basis, and are usually made-up during the summer prior to your first semester or during your first two semesters as a graduate student.
What is the CAMPEP accreditation status of the LSU medical physics program?
The LSU MS in Medical Physics and Health Physics Program recently received full accreditation by CAMPEP through December 2011.
Can I come to visit LSU and the medical physics program?
Certainly. Contact the LSU Medical Physics Program office at 225-578-2163 or medphys@phys.lsu.edu to discuss a visit at any time during the year. In the Spring of each year, we invite our highest-rated applicants to visit LSU (at our expense) for an interview with the Program faculty.
Where have your graduates found employment?
Graduates from the LSU medical physics and health physics program have found employment in public and private hospitals, private cancer clinics, university hospitals, and government regulatory divisions. Some students have even struck out on their own, performing medical physics contract and consulting work.
What duties and time commitment are required for a graduate assistant?
Students are expected to work 20 hours per week for their assistantships. Teaching assistants may teach undergraduate physics labs, do grading and proctoring for the physics service courses, or work in the department's tutoring center. Research assistants work in the research lab of their major professor.
Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
To speak with Program faculty or to get answers to questions about the program and the admissions process, contact the
LSU Medical Physics Program Office
(225) 578-2163 or
medphys@phys.lsu.edu
Last updated: November 26, 2008
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