ACADEMIC PROGRAM CHANGES – IMPLEMENTATION REQUEST

PROGRAM NAME AND CIP CODE

CURRENT PROGRAM NAME, DEGREE(S) AND CIP CODE

Applied and Industrial Physics, PSM

CIP Code: 40.0801

PROPOSED PROGRAM NAME, DEGREE(S) AND CIP

Medical Physics, PSM

CIP Code: 51.2205 – Health/Medical Physics[PJK1]

DEPARTMENT/UNIT AND COLLEGE

Current department/unit and college

Physics Department, College of Science

Proposed department/unit and college (if applicable)

N/A

  1. DESIRED EFFECTIVE TERM

Summer 2012

  1. BACKGROUND -- history of program, years in place, factors that led to this request.

The PSM program in AIP was established sometime around 1995-1997. In 2005, it was reorganized into three distinct tracks. In 2007, a fourth track, Medical Physics was added. Currently only the Medical Physics track is active.

  1. RATIONAL FOR THE REQUEST

There are several reasons for the name change.

  1. It recognizes that the degree really is a Professional Science Masters in Medical Physics rather than Applied and Industrial Physics).
  2. This degree is in the process of gaining CAMPEP (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs) accreditation. The program provides didactic and clinical training in medical physics. The program is designed to comply with CAMPEP guidelines and in accordance with AAPM (American Association of Physicists in Medicine) Report 79.
  3. Prospective students are often confused by the current designation of Applied and Industrial Physics. It is expected that the name change would increase applications.
  4. Once CAMPEP accreditation is gained, it is expected that the number of applications to this program will increase as well. It is important that the degree be appropriately named.
  5. Presently the program is designed for 4-8 students per year. These are highly motivated students and we expect successful degree completion for most students. As mentioned above, once CAMPEP is awarded, we expect an increase in the number and quality of applications.
  6. Medical physics is a profession that is expected to face shortages in the coming years. An aging population will have increased need for radiation diagnosis and therapies. In 2004, 130 out of 350 positions went unfilled. The shortage is across the US including Arizona.
  7. Likewise there is a shortage of accredited training programs. Once the Professional Science Masters degree in Medical Physics gains accreditation it will be fulfilling a national need.
  1. BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED

The main benefit for the name change to Medical Physics, PSM is increase the quantity and quality of students applying to the program. The name change will also align with the expected accreditation of this program.

  1. IMPACT ON DEPARTMENT/INSTITUTION

The impact on the Department and Institution will be to increase the quantity and quality of students enrolling in the Medical Physics program. There is a shortage of accredited medical physics PSM programs and the University of Arizona program will gain visibility from offering this degree.

  1. IMPLICATIONS FOR STUDENTS AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE

Existing students will not be affected by the change. New students need this change since beginning in 2012, enrollment in a CAMPEP accredited graduate program is required to start the ABR (American Board of Radiology) certification process.

  1. IMPLICATIONS FOR FACULTY AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE

None

  1. IMPACT ON OTHER ACADEMIC UNITS

The Department of Radiation Oncology will benefit from this name change for the same reasons that the Physics Department will. The new degree name will align with the actual program. The new degree name will increase the number and quality of students applying to the PSM Medical Physics program.

  1. BUDGETARY IMPACT -- indicate new resources needed and source of funding. If reallocating resources, indicate where resources will be taken from and the impact this will have on the students/faculty/program/unit.

There is no new or continuing budgetary impact.

Note: In general, academic program changes result in reallocation of resources or the need for additional resources, some of which may be one-time expenditures. To avoid potential delays in the on-campus approval process, be sure to address the budgetary impact resulting from the proposed program changes.

[PJK1]Health/MedicalPhysics. A program that focuses on the application of physics, nuclear science, and engineering physics to diagnostic, treatment, and therapeutic processes and public health protection. Includes instruction in radiation biophysics, biophysics, health effects of natural and artificially induced radiation, hazard evaluation, environmental radioactivity, nuclear physics, engineering physics, radiobiology, medical radiology, calibration and dosage theory, computer applications and medical informatics, and specific research problems.