PhD Medical Physics Eligibility, Colleges, Admission, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Jobs, Salary 2023

PhD in Medical Physics is a 3-year doctoral programme concerning the field of Physics. This career-oriented course aids candidates with a wide area of opportunity in different areas of health care dealing in the varied arena of Physics.

Know More About Medical Courses

This program provides candidates with the advanced knowledge of Physics in combination to Medical Science. Students who wish to pursue this course should have the general understanding of the subject and its fundamentals. 

The course requires candidates to indulge in hands-on training and research skills so as to gain a good stand over the field.

Students who have completed their master’s degree in Physics or an equivalent MSc degree in Science stream from any recognized university with minimum 55% marks and above will be considered eligible to apply to this course. 

Admission to this program will be done based on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam which is followed by a personal interview round conducted by the college or university. However, there are some institutes which offer admission to this program based on merit in the Master’s degree exam. 

PhD Medical Physics degree holders are hired in a wide range of fields as a Researchers, Nuclear Therapists, Physicists, Senior Researcher etc. They are recruited in areas such as Research, Nuclear Medicine, Therapy, Agriculture, Diagnostics etc.

The average annual tuition fee charged for this course in India ranges between INR 10,000 and INR 2,00,000. In India, the average annual salary that a PhD Medical Physics degree holder can get ranges between INR 2,00,000 and INR 12,00,000. 

If students wish to do further research, they can become independent researchers and publish their research papers. They can also earn a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in the related domain in future. Also check top PhD Medical Physics Colleges here. 

PhD Medical Physics Course Highlights

Course Level Doctorate
Duration of the Course 3 to 5 years
Examination Type Semester System
Eligibility Qualifying MSc in Physics or equivalent examination with a minimum aggregate of 55% and above from a recognized university/ Entrance Test like PET, NET, etc./ Group Discussion/ Personal Interview
Admission Process Merit/ Entrance-Based
Course Fee INR 10,000 to 2,00,000
Average Starting Salary INR 2,00,000 to 12,00,000
Job Profiles Researchers, Nuclear Therapists, Physicists, Senior Researcher etc.
Top Recruiters Research, Nuclear Medicine, Therapy, Agriculture, Diagnostics etc.

PhD Medical Physics: What is it about?

The detailed information about the PhD in Medical Physics Course is mentioned below: 

  • Medical Physics offers candidates a comprehensive study of Physics combining it with the aspects of Medicine which enables candidates to bring about refinement and scientific breakthroughs in the use of equipment used in the medical field. 
  • PhD in Medical Physics primarily deals with the concepts and methods of physics in relation to the field of medicine. 
  • This course encompasses the study of the subject by endearing candidates to build skills of leadership, marketing, planning, execution, generating reports and problem-solving using an integrated methodology of imparting knowledge in varied areas of the field. 
  • The students through the program are rendered a platform for refining their skills further in addition to gaining a stronghold on the tools and techniques used for conducting research.
  • This course is designed in a manner to provide students with the utmost of knowledge through the process of practical- theory application. 
  • This course trains students in furthering their expertise in the field, helping them gain knowledge of the intricacies related to medical equipment, testing its quality and much more.

Why study PhD Medical Physics?

The goal to attain a PhD in Medical Physics degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the reasons to pursue this course are as follows.

  • Prestigious Job Prospects: According to the research, it has been proved that the demand of Medical Physics graduates in the Medical field is increasing day-by-day. 
  • Students holding a PhD degree in Medical Physics can hold senior positions in the research field. 
  • Good Pay: There are many different positions available for the PhD degree holders in Medical Physics, like Researchers, Nuclear Therapists, Physicists, Senior Researcher etc. 
  • Depending upon their position in the field, they can easily earn INR 2,00,000 to 12,00,000 per year. 
  • After completing this course successfully, the graduates can work in the field of Research, Nuclear Medicine, Therapy, Agriculture, diagnostics etc.

What is the PhD Medical Physics Admission Process?

Most colleges and institutes offering PhD Medical Physics courses admit students based on their performance in the Master’s degree examination. However, there are some colleges which do conduct entrance examinations to judge a candidate’s abilities and skill sets.

The following are the two major pathways through which a PhD Medical Physics admissions take place:

 Admission Process

Merit Based Admission Process

In merit-based admission, the aspiring candidates for getting admission in this program, need to obtain at least 55% and above marks in PG course and qualify the counselling session arranged by the university authority. 

Entrance Based Admission Process

The entrance-based admission process for getting admission in PhD Medical Physics program followed by the universities is mentioned below: 

  • Visit the official website and register there for the entrance exam by providing your email ID/ phone number and password. It will create a login ID. 
  • Through this login ID, all you need to fill up the application form by providing the necessary details and upload all required documents. 
  • After that, pay the application fee through debit card/credit card/ net banking options and save and print out the application form for further references. 
  • Based on the details the admission authority issued an admit card for the entrance exam, if the candidate fulfills the eligibility criteria. 
  • Once the exam dates are released, the interested candidates need to attend the exam and have to qualify for getting admission. 
  • The admission authority published the entrance exam result and the qualified candidates need to go through the personal interview round for final selection. 

What is the PhD Medical Physics Eligibility Criteria?

The common PhD Medical Physics eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil to be successfully admitted into a college offering this course are as follows:

  • The interested candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Physics or an equivalent PG course in science stream from any recognized university. 
  • Students who have attended their MSc Final year exams are also eligible for this doctorate course. 
  • The qualifying aggregate score in MSc degree is at least 55% marks. 
  • Students should have completed the compulsory rotating internship or should hold work experience for a minimum of 5 years as professionals in the field holding a senior position.

Which are the Top PhD Medical Physics Entrance Exams?

Some colleges that offer PhD Medical Physics programs require their candidates to sit for an entrance examination.

Exam Name Application Period Exam Date
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF       To be Announced To be Announced
CSIR UGC NET (June Session)  2nd week of March – 2nd week of April 2023   3rd week of June 2023
UGC NET (July Session)  December 29, 2022 – January 23, 2023 February 21, 2023 – March 10, 2023

How to Prepare for a PhD Medical Physics Entrance Exams?

The syllabus for PhD Medical Physics entrance exams will vary from college to college. Candidates can follow the tips given below to prepare for PhD entrance exams: 

  • Go through the detailed syllabus of the written test, start studying them, revise your concepts.
  • One important hack to crack entrance exams is to develop a reading habit, be it a newspaper, novel, books, biographies and case studies.
  • Time management is one of the most important aspects to crack entrance exams, this is not only applying to the study schedule but attempting the most exam as well. 
  • Practicing sample papers and mock test papers will assure you of the time management skills by the time your entrance exam starts.
  • Practice is the main rule to crack any entrance exam. Make sure that your concepts are clear and you are aware of all the right ways to solve questions within the time frame.
  • Start learning from the basics and thereafter move to higher and difficult levels of concepts.

How to get admission to a good PhD Medical Physics College?

To get admission in the top PhD Medical Physics college, the following points must be kept in mind:

  • Candidates are shortlisted by the college through respective entrance exams followed by an interview.
  • To get a good college for PhD Medical Physics, appearing for the UGC NET exam is the best way and for some of the colleges’ UGC NET is also considered good to approach.
  • A few private institutes are there offering the course to admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
  • Getting into a good college for the admission in PhD Medical Physics program, candidates need to score well in the respective entrance exams.
  • Candidates should put their time and effort into the entrance test as well as be prepared for a personal interview round.
  • They should be well versed with their research topic so that they can impress the interview panel with their research idea. 

What is the Syllabus of PhD Medical Physics?

The syllabus for PhD Medical Physics discipline may be differ for different colleges/universities, but the subjects usually remain the same during the course period. The following table consists of the common topics covered during the course: 

Subjects of Study
Research Methodology- Research methodology is the specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select, process, and analyze information about a topic.
Computational Methods in Physics- “It covers numerical techniques for solving algebraic or transcendental equations, differentiation, integration, interpolation, and system of linear equations. “
Radiation Dosimetry and Treatment Planning- “Medical dosimetry is the calculation of absorbed dose and optimization of dose delivery in radiation therapy.”
Biomedical Instrumentation- “Biomedical Instrumentation is an application of biomedical engineering, which focuses on the devices and mechanics used to measure, evaluate, and treat biological systems. It focuses on the use of multiple sensors to monitor physiological characteristics of a human or animal.”
Brachytherapy Physics- “Brachytherapy involves the placement of radioactive sources in or near tissue, usually for the treatment of cancer.”
Seminar
Laboratory Practice
Dissertation
Project Work
Thesis

Which are the top PhD Medical Physics Colleges?

The table below shows the best PhD Medical Physics colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.

NIRF Overall Ranking Name of the College/ University Average Annual Fees Admission Process Average Annual Salary
20 Anna University, Chennai INR 51,000 UGC NET/ CSIR NET/ SLET followed by PI INR 6,24,000
21 Bharathiar University, Coimbatore INR 18,400 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 5,15,000
44 PU, Chandigarh INR 64,500 AILET INR 7,54,000
101 Dy Patil Education Society, Kolhapur __ Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 4,00,000
__ SRHU, Dehradun INR 90,000 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 7,00,000
__ Shyam University, Dausa INR 90,000 Entrance-Test followed by PI INR 5,87,000
__ UVOCCET, Thoothukudi INR 49,500 Merit-Based INR 6,97,000

PhD Medical Physics College Comparison

The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the two top PhD Medical Physics colleges in India.

Parameters  Anna University, Chennai  Bharathiar University, Coimbatore
Overview  This is one of the largest private universities in Chennai which offers a large number of UG, PG, Diploma and Research level courses in various disciplines.  Bharathiar University is a deemed university located in Coimbatore. The university offers various Graduate, Post Graduate, and Diploma level programs.
Location  Chennai Coimbatore
Eligibility  Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university.
Admission Procedure  Entrance-Based + GD & PI round  Entrance-Based + GD & PI round
Average Fees  INR 51,000 INR 18,400
Average Salary INR 6,24,000 INR 5,14,000
Top Recruitment Areas Research, Nuclear Medicine, Therapy, Agriculture, Diagnostics etc. Research, Nuclear Medicine, Therapy, Agriculture, Diagnostics etc.
Comparison

Source: College Websites

PhD Medical Physics vs PhD Medicine

Both PhD Medical Physics and PhD Medicine are Doctoral courses in the medical field.  However there is a difference between these two. Also, check the list of Top PhD Medicine Colleges in India

Check the table below for more comparative details:

Parameters  PhD Medical Physics  PhD Medicine
Course Overview  This course provides candidates with the advanced knowledge of physics in combination to Medical Science.  This course is specifically designed for those who wish to conduct research in Medicines, benefitting the student to gain a broader view of the subject wherein all the major areas of medical science are covered extensively.
Duration  3 to 5 years  3 to 5 years
Examination Type  Semester/ Annual Type  Semester/ Annual Type 
Eligibility  Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university.  Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university.
Admission Procedure  Merit Based or Entrance Exam Based  Merit and Entrance Exam Based 
Average Fees  INR 10,000 to 2,00,000 INR 25,000 - 2,00,000
Areas of Employment  Research, Nuclear Medicine, Therapy, Agriculture, Diagnostics etc. Hospitals, Private and Government Hospitals, Research Centres, Academics etc.
Job Positions  Researchers, Nuclear Therapists, Physicists, Senior Researcher etc. Medical Writer, Medical Scientist, Geneticist, Biomedical Scientists etc.
Average Salary INR 2,00,000 - 12,00,000 INR 4,00,000 - 11,00,000

Average Annual Fees

Annual Salary

Source: College Websites

What are Job Prospects and Career Options after a PhD in Medical Physics?

  • Candidates after the successful completion of PhD in Medical Physics course are instilled with the necessary skills and knowledge which they can put into practice in the area of medicine. 
  • Qualified Medical Physicists have opportunities to choose employment in areas of radiotherapy, research, nuclear medicine, therapy, agriculture, diagnostics, and other such. 
  • They can even choose to work as professors and lecturers at reputed colleges and universities. 

Enlisted below are some career options for candidates to choose from:

Job Role Job Description Average Annual Salary
Nuclear Therapists Roles include planning radiation treatments, checking the output, developing and reefing the process. INR 6,32,000
Medical Physicist Role includes analyzing computer-aided techniques, bioengineering processes and solving the technical queries of clients.  INR 8,75,000
Researchers Gathering information analyzing data, interpreting and evaluating data for bringing changes in the field of equipment. INR 9,00,000
Physicists  Drafting and designing experiments, implementing scientific methods, drawing conclusions and advancing the study of topics related to physics. INR 7,25,000
Professor Imparting students the necessary knowledge and skills required aiding in becoming expert physicists using different methodologies and tools. INR 4,87,000
Scientists Drafting, design information through analysis, investigation in the field of physics. INR 5,82,000
Jobs

Source: College Websites

What are the Future Scopes of PhD Medical Physics?

PhD degree is a doctorate level degree and is known to be the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. Generally one does not pursue higher education on completion of a PhD Medical Physics course. 

Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high pay job profiles. With this knowledge, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.

  • After completing this course, students can opt for teaching jobs in colleges/universities and then clear the UGC-NET exam required to become a permanent lecturer.
  • Students can also opt for jobs as a Scientist and indulge in the research activities. 
  • Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field. 
  • Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a lecturer post in Medical Physics and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales. 

PhD Medical Physics FAQs

Ques. What is meant by Medical Physics?

Ans. Medical Physics is the application of physics to healthcare; using physics for patient imaging, measurement and treatment.

Ques. How long does it take to get a PhD in Medical Physics?

Ans. It takes 5 years to get a PhD in Medical Physics. Graduates of each program can pursue medical physics residency programs, but those with a doctorate in the field can work in research labs or education.

Ques. Is getting a PhD in Medical Physics worth it?

Ans. A PhD in Medical Physics is definitely worth doing it as it offers a large number of career options to students. 

Ques. Is a Physicist a Doctor?

Ans.  A Physicist is a scientist who specializes in physics research.

Ques. Do you need a PhD to be a Medical Physicist?

Ans. Most positions require a PhD in Medical Physics – or a PhD in another field and a residency in Medical Physics.

Ques. Can I skip Masters and do a PhD?

Ans. Typically, the path to a PhD begins with a Bachelors course and continues through a Masters degree. However, it is possible to skip a Masters and pass straight to a PhD degree.

Ques. What kind of doctor is a Physicist?

Ans. A Medical Physicist is a professional who applies the principles and methods of both physics and medicine. They focus on the areas of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as ensuring quality services and prevention of risks to the patients, and members of the public in general.

Ques. What does a Medical Physicist do in a hospital?

Ans. Medical Physicists apply the principles and theories of physics to all aspects of medicine. In hospitals, they help plan radiation treatments for cancer patients using external radiation beams or internal radioactive sources. They provide images of internal organs and determine metabolic rates and blood flow.

Ques. What do Medical Physicists wear?

Ans. Most Medical Physicists work in hospitals, including clinics, laboratories and on wards. Others work solely in laboratories and workshops. Medical Physicists working with patients usually wear a white coat. All jobs involve some travel to attend meetings and conferences.”

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