Medical Physics Certificate Program (MPCP)

The Medical Physics Certificate Program (MPCP) is a rigorous two-year (CAMPEP-accredited) didactic training program, meticulously designed and administered by the Departments of Radiation Oncology & Radiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. The curriculum covers essential topics in medical physics and is aligned with the guidelines set forth by AAPM. Courses are offered in partnership with the Biomedical Physics PhD program and taught by experienced faculty from the departments of Radiation Oncology and Radiology. The program is passionately committed to equipping students with the scientific knowledge needed for advanced studies, research, and successful careers in clinical medical physics. The program aims to foster in-depth understanding of patient safety, proficiency in physics and mathematics, ethical professionalism, effective communication skills, and a holistic perspective on medical physics. Join us on your journey to becoming a highly skilled and sought-after medical physicist!

Mission

Our mission serves a dual purpose:

(1) to enable students to pursue advanced education, both foundational and applied, to lead groundbreaking research in medical physics, and

(2) to facilitate their seamless transition into medical physics residencies, culminating in rewarding careers in clinical medical physics.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the MPCP, applicants must either:

  • Hold a PhD degree in physics or closely related field, or
  • Be a PhD candidate in physics or a closely related field.

 

We highly encourage applicants to have a strong understanding of the following:

  • upper-level physics*,    
  • linear algebra,
  • ordinary differential equations,
  • the fourier transform,
  • statistics, and
  • basic programing.

*A strong understanding of upper-level physics is defined as at least 3 upper-level physics courses. We require at least 3 upper-level courses on your transcripts by the completion of the certificate program.

The MPCP does not sponsor visas for its students. Per federal and state law, enrollment restrictions may apply to applicants located in some states and countries.

Admission Process

  1. Complete and submit the initial screening application form.
  2. Candidates must complete a non-degree program application (to be provided after screening).
    1. You will be asked to submit a personal statement, your CV, official transcripts, residency documents and reference contacts.
    2. Stanford postdoctoral scholars will be asked for their acceptance letter on file.
  3. Screening applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; deadlines for academic year 2026-2027 are as follows: (local time for Stanford University)
    1. Autumn Quarter Start – 11:59 pm on June 30, 2026
    2. Winter Quarter Start– 11:59 pm on September 5, 2026
    3. Spring Quarter Start – 11:59 pm on November 30, 2026

Financial Support and Opportunities

In general, we do not provide any financial aid, loans or TA slots for certificate program students through our CAMPEP Certificate program.

Curriculum

The core medical physics curriculum outlined by CAMPEP is comprehensively addressed through six didactic courses, which are overseen by the Departments of Radiation Oncology & Radiology. These six required courses are:

  • BMP 220: Imaging and Image-Based Anatomy (3 units)
  • BMP 251: Medical Physics and Dosimetry (3 units)
  • BMP 252: Radiation Therapy Physics (3 units)*
  • BMP 253: Radiation Biology and Protection (3 units)
  • BMP 269A: Medical Imaging Systems l (3 units)*
    • Also known as EE 269A
  • BIOE 300B: Quantitative Physiology (3 units)

More information on courses can be found on Stanford Bulletin.

Students must maintain a cumulative 'B' average to continue in the certificate program. However, if you receive below a 'B' in a course, you will need to submit a petition and be approved before enrolling in additional courses.

This program is a hybrid program. It combines online instruction with on-site coursework and lab work.

*Starred courses have in-person lab components, each with 2 sessions of in-person labs for on-hand student work.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the MPCP, please forward your inquiries to our administrative associate:

FAQs