What is Medical Physics?

Medical Physics is a dynamic field that applies the principles of physics to medicine—enhancing patient care through the safe and effective use of radiation in both diagnosis and treatment. Medical physicists play a vital role in areas such as cancer therapy, diagnostic imaging, and technological innovation in healthcare.

A Rigorous, Student-Focused Program

Brown’s two-year, on-campus Master’s in Medical Physics combines a rigorous curriculum, superb clinical settings, and a unique focus on research training to prepare students for success in competitive residencies and rewarding professional careers. Housed within The Warren Alpert Medical School, our program benefits from being part of a nationally recognized leader in medical education and biomedical research.

Our small class sizes ensure extensive, one-on-one faculty-student interaction, creating a collaborative environment where every student is known, mentored, and supported. Faculty and staff are deeply engaged and motivated to equip students with the knowledge and professional competencies that will make them stand out nationwide.

Specialized Tracks

Our CAMPEP-accredited program offers two core areas of specialization:

• Radiation Therapy Physics: Train in cutting-edge radiation oncology settings where you'll learn to design, evaluate, and ensure the safety of cancer treatment plans.
• Diagnostic Imaging Physics: Gain expertise in optimizing and calibrating imaging modalities including MRI, CT, and ultrasound to improve diagnostic accuracy while minimizing patient exposure.

Integrated Clinical Training & Research

• Career Development: Our curriculum equips students with the clinical and research skills essential for a successful career in medical physics.
• Training Environment: Clinical partnerships—including with our sister hospital, Brown University Health—allow students to train in diverse, real-world medical settings.
• Research and Scholarship: Students have protected time for research, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to scientific discovery.
• Mentorship: Students learn from experts across multiple disciplines, including radiation oncology, biomedical engineering, radiology, physics, and public health.

Financial Support and Career Preparation

We are committed to making your education affordable and accessible:

• Merit-Based Scholarships are available for qualified students.
• Quality Assurance Assistantships provide hands-on experience and additional financial support through paid clinical roles in radiation therapy departments.