Abstract

For radiological protection according to the X-Ray Ordinance and the Radiation Protection Ordinance, stipulations on the acquisition and maintenance of knowledge and technical qualifications must be made for activities in the field of medical physics, similar to the regulations concerning medical qualifications and knowledge. This applies for initial qualifications (training), acquisition of expertise, successful participation in radiological protection training courses, and updating of professional qualifications and knowledge in radiation protection which has to be done every 5 years at least.

The SSK recommends that acquisition of the required knowledge of, and/or skills in radiation protection for medical physics professionals should be based on a master degree in connection with a bachelor degree of which both should be in the physical-technical field. A transitional arrangement is intended to stipulate that the professionally qualifying degrees still common today following a “Diplom” degree programme passed at a university, or a university of cooperative education may also serve as initial qualifications to acquire the required knowledge of, and/or skills in radiation protection for experts in medical physics.

The SSK also recommends that a Bachelor’s degree in a physical-technical branch of study shall be an initial qualification to acquire the required knowledge in Medical Physics. This further training leads to the vocational profile Medical Physics Assistant (MPA). The radiation protection skills and knowledge required for Medical Physics Experts (MPE) may be acquired subsequently following acquirement of a Master’s degree combined with the proof of participation in radiation protection training courses.

The acquirement of expert knowledge as necessary for the assignment of the required knowledge of, and/or skills in radiation protection for Medical Physics Experts may also be integrated in the curriculum of a specific master study programme approved by the regulatory authorities.

The SSK also recommends to have the text on initial qualifications for Medical Physics Experts adapted within the scope of the upcoming amendments of the X-Ray Ordinance and the Radiation Protection Ordinance.

The SSK passed the statement “Initial Qualifications and Acquisition of the Required Knowledge of, and/or Skills in Radiation Protection within the Field of Medical Physics” at its 224 meeting on 03 July 2008.