UK medical physics career route explained
Medical physics careers in the UK usually combine physics, engineering or computing knowledge with patient-facing clinical work and formal healthcare science training.
This guide explains the route shown in the career diagram and points readers towards the decisions that matter before applying for training posts.
Start with a relevant scientific base
Many applicants come from physics, engineering, computing or closely related scientific degrees. The exact requirements depend on the role and training route, so applicants should always check current scheme criteria.
Build evidence before applying
Useful experience can include hospital visits, shadowing, research projects, coding, radiation safety awareness, imaging experience or clear examples of patient-centred thinking.
Understand the STP route
The NHS Scientist Training Programme is a common route into clinical scientist training. It is competitive and combines academic study with work-based training.
Registration and specialisation
Clinical scientist registration is the formal professional milestone. After that, medical physicists may specialise in radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, radiation protection, computing or other areas.
Use the career route diagram
UK medical physics career route diagram - landscape infographic
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Suggested attribution: MedicalPhysicist.co.uk - https://medicalphysicist.co.uk/uk-medical-physics-career-route-diagram/
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