Education · 1 of 5

The path

Long and narrow. Every step has to be accredited by the right body or the next step is closed to you.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Physics, calculus and chemistry. This is a physics career first and a health career second.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree in physics

   4 years

   Four years. Engineering physics or a closely related degree is usually accepted too.

3. 3

   Accredited graduate program

   2 to 6 years

   A master's, doctorate, certificate or Doctor of Medical Physics program accredited by CAMPEP (the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs).

4. 4

   Part 1 board exam

   Once a year, usually August

   A computer-based exam in two sections, general and clinical. You can take it while still enrolled in an accredited program.

5. 5

   Accredited residency, then Parts 2 and 3

   2 to 3 years

   A paid two year clinical residency, then the specialty written exam and finally a remote oral exam.