What does a diagnostic imaging physicist do?
Imaging physicists help clinical teams get clear, useful medical images and use equipment safely. Their work can involve x-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound and optical imaging.
X-rays and CT
Physicists test equipment, measure radiation dose and help choose settings that give enough image detail for the examination. They also advise on radiation protection for patients and staff.
In England’s STP, this work is covered by Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology.
MRI, ultrasound and optical imaging
These techniques use different physical principles from x-rays. Physicists check image quality, equipment performance and safety, and help teams introduce new scanning methods.
The STP specialty is called Imaging with Non-Ionising Radiation. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves; ultrasound uses sound waves.
What might you do day to day?
- Test a scanner before it is used with patients
- Measure image quality or radiation dose
- Help improve scanning settings
- Investigate marks or distortions in an image
- Analyse data and develop software
- Explain results and advise clinical colleagues
What about nuclear medicine?
Nuclear medicine also involves imaging, but uses radioactive tracers given to the patient. It has its own STP specialty and includes both imaging and treatment work.
Choosing an imaging specialism
Think about which techniques and scientific questions interest you. Compare the equipment, the types of measurement and the safety questions involved. Department open days and job descriptions can help you picture the work.
Imaging or radiotherapy?
Compare work that supports diagnosis with work that supports cancer treatment.
Sources
Guidance checked: 18 August 2026