Medical Physics Certification in South Africa

Abstract

Medical Physics training and education in South Africa (SA) is well established and legally regulated. Formal recognition of the profession is entrenched in SA where professional registration (certification) with the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) is required after formal, structured and approved training. Appropriate education and training programs have been in place since the 1960s. Since then education and training was informed by the Scope of Practice of a Medical Physicist. This was clearly defined in law. It defines certain functions in clinical fields where ionising radiation is used which must be carried out by Medical Physicists. This still essentially complies with the suggestions published by the IAEA and IOMP.In order to be registered with the HPCSA as a Medical Physicist it is necessary be in possession of appropriate academic and practical qualifications. To remain registered it is necessary to maintain a record of activities aimed at continued professional development. The academic requirement is a four year BSc honours degree from an accredited university. The practical training component consists of a subsequent two year period of supervised, formal, structured, in-service, experiential training carried out at an accredited training hospital after which an externally moderated, exit exam must be passed. Independent structured exit assessment of work covered is also done and is administered by the HPCSA.In future changes will be required to ensure that certification remains of high standard and recognition continues. Consideration must be given to increasing the academic qualification required for certification to MSc level. Recognition of specialist registration must be considered. Support for training and education institutions must continue in order to ensure continued high quality recognised qualifications and adequate numbers of properly educated and certified professionals to supply demand.