How to become a medical physicist
The most common graduate route is the NHS Scientist Training Programme, which Health Careers describes as a salaried three-year programme for science or engineering graduates. Medical physics sits within physical sciences and biomedical engineering.
IPEM also lists several routes to Clinical Scientist registration, including the Scientist Training Programme, Scottish schemes, Route 2, STP equivalence and guided training.
Prepare academically
- Physics, engineering and applied science degrees are common starting points.
- Research or project evidence can help show scientific capability.
- Programming, data analysis and imaging experience can be relevant.
Prepare clinically
- Understand patient pathways.
- Learn what safety and quality assurance mean in practice.
- Talk to departments or attend open days where possible.
Sources: Health Careers STP, IPEM becoming a Clinical Scientist.