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A wider scientific workforce

Where can medical physics skills lead outside the NHS?

Medical physics skills are used in equipment and software companies, research, universities, regulation, independent healthcare, consultancy and technical services as well as the NHS.

Industry and softwareProduct physics, applications, safety, testing, data, service and clinical implementation.
Research and universitiesImaging, treatment, measurement, modelling, teaching and translational projects.
Regulation and technical adviceStandards, inspection, radiation protection, evidence review and assurance.

Which employers use these skills?

  • Medical equipment and software manufacturers
  • Independent hospitals and diagnostic providers
  • Universities and research institutes
  • Regulators, public bodies and standards organisations
  • Radiation protection and dosimetry services
  • Consultancies and specialist technical suppliers

Do you need HCPC registration?

It depends on the role. Clinical Scientist is a protected title and requires HCPC registration. A research, product or engineering post may have different requirements. Read the title, scope and person specification carefully.

Are technologist and clinical scientist routes the same?

No. Clinical technologists and clinical scientists have different training and registration arrangements, even when they work in the same department. IPEM runs a Clinical Technologist Training Scheme and the Register of Clinical Technologists provides professional registration for technologists.

How can you translate your experience?

  • Describe the problem and user, not only the hospital context
  • Make quality, risk and regulatory work visible
  • Show software, data or product-lifecycle skills where relevant
  • Explain collaboration with clinical and technical stakeholders
  • Check whether commercial travel, customer support or sales responsibilities fit you

Search by skill and setting

Would an NHS or non-NHS environment suit you better?

Compare live role descriptions, then tailor your evidence to the setting and registration requirement.

Sources and review date