Medical physics training across the UK

England

The National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) runs recruitment for the Scientist Training Programme. Direct entry is open to applicants who meet its requirements. In-service entry is for existing NHS staff nominated and supported by their employer.

Wales

The Wales STP is a three-year graduate training programme managed by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), working with NHS Wales organisations and the NSHCS. Healthcare Science Cymru publishes the application details and available specialisms.

Scotland

NHS Education for Scotland supports clinical scientist training before registration. Training departments advertise places through NHS Scotland JobTrain. Start with the careers guide to medical physics, then look for training vacancies.

Northern Ireland

Health and Social Care (HSC) employers advertise trainee jobs through HSC Jobs. Each advert explains the qualifications, training and application process for that post.

Routes for people with relevant experience

The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) offers a Clinical Scientist Guided Training Scheme for learning in the workplace. The Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) also assesses whether previous training and experience meet standards equivalent to the STP.

Successful scientist-level equivalence can make you eligible to apply for HCPC registration. Read the scheme requirements to see which route fits your experience.

Other roles and later specialisation

Clinical technologists have their own training and registration arrangements. Medical Physics Expert (MPE) and Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) roles require additional specialist recognition or appointment.