How to become a medical physicist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a trainee scheme
University
To become a medical physicist, you'll need a degree that includes a high level of physics, for example:
- applied physics
- physics and mathematics
- astrophysics
You would then complete the 3-year NHS Scientist Training Programme.
You'll need a first or upper second class honours in your degree to apply, or a postgraduate master's qualification in a relevant subject like theoretical physics.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to train for this job by doing a Level 6 Healthcare Science Practitioner degree apprenticeship.
You may also be able to start as a healthcare science assistant or associate and with experience move on to the degree apprenticeship.
The degree apprenticeship combines work-based learning and time at university.
The first 2 years cover broad based science and in your third year you can specialise in medical physics.
Entry requirements
Most people following this route have:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Other Routes
You could apply for a place on the NHS Practitioner Training Programme without a degree.
You would study for a degree in healthcare science, which includes work-based training. You could then go on to specialise in medical physics.
To apply, you'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and a science
- at least 2 A levels including maths or a science
You can find out more about the Practitioner Training Programme from the National School of Healthcare Science.
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Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about careers and training in medical physics through Health Careers and the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
You can find out more about the recruitment process for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) from the National School of Healthcare Science.