Better images, proportionate risk
What does a diagnostic imaging physicist do?
Imaging physicists help make clinical images reliable and useful while managing equipment performance and risk. Current STP routes divide this work across ionising and non-ionising specialties.
Which current specialties cover imaging?
Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology covers ionising imaging and radiation protection work. Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation covers areas such as MRI, ultrasound and optical methods. Nuclear Medicine is a separate Medical Physics specialty with its own imaging systems and radioactive tracers.
What work might you do?
- Commission and test imaging equipment
- Measure image quality and dose or other safety parameters
- Optimise protocols with clinical users
- Investigate artefacts and unexpected performance
- Advise on facilities, governance and safe use
- Analyse data, write software and evaluate new techniques
Is 'diagnostic imaging physics' an official STP preference?
Not as a single current Medical Physics specialty. Use the exact specialty names shown for the recruitment round and read the post information before applying.
How can you decide between ionising and non-ionising work?
Compare the physical principles, risk controls, clinical questions and daily equipment. Interest in imaging is a start; a convincing choice explains why the actual work fits your strengths.
Choose with precision
Compare the official specialty names before you apply.
See all four Medical Physics specialties, then compare imaging work with radiotherapy.