As an address to a seminar held in Germany, a summary is made concerning the present status and future development of medical physicist preparation in the U.S.A. A total of 121 programs are discussed on the basis of degree levels. Most training schemes consist of lectures, laboratory courses, and research activities with actual experience provided in practicum courses and on-the-job training. A diversity of training views are described as existing regarding the curriculum at the graduate level. A desirable starting point for training is a bachelor's degree in physics with a minor in mathematics. The background fields for a medical physicist to work in radiological science includes: optics, mechanical engineering (Mechanics), electricity, magnetism, electronics, information theory, and computer technology. Recommendations on the termination of graduate training programs made by a joint committee is also mentioned. Included is a list of possible contributions of a medical physicist to hospitals. (CC)