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Medical Physicist UK

A visual route map

What does the UK medical physics career route look like?

The four steps below show the typical route from relevant science study to clinical training, an application for registration and later specialist development. Use the map to find your next question; it is not a promise that every route is linear or automatic.

1. Start with relevant scienceBuild physics, mathematics and research skills. Experience is useful evidence, not a universal entry requirement.
2. Complete recognised clinical trainingThe programme and recruiter depend on the UK nation and route; England's STP is one route, not the whole UK system.
3. Apply for HCPC registrationSuccessful training can provide eligibility to apply; registration is a separate HCPC decision.
4. Develop later specialist recognitionMPE, RPA and other specialist roles have additional criteria and are not automatic career stages.

Where are you on the route?

If you are still studying, check degree relevance and build evidence of scientific thinking. If you are ready for training, compare the nation-specific routes and live vacancies. If you have completed training, check the HCPC registration process rather than assuming registration is automatic.

What does the visual simplify?

  • Different recruitment and training arrangements across the four UK nations
  • Direct-entry, in-service, structured training and equivalence routes
  • The distinction between clinical scientist and technologist careers
  • Specialist recognitions such as MPE or RPA that require more than an entry route
  • The fact that vacancies and specialties change

Can you save or share the route map?

You may print this page for personal study and share a link to it. Please ask before republishing the wording or branded visual elsewhere; the route can change, and this page is where the current explanation and corrections are kept.

Where is the detailed explanation?

The companion article explains each stage, the non-linear routes and the checks that the visual cannot carry.

Read the route explanation

Move from map to action

Which stage are you at now?

Use the detailed explanation to find the right official route and next check.

Read the route explanationCompare UK training routes
Sources and review date