Medical physicist

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You can get into this role through a degree apprenticeship as a healthcare science practitioner.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

• guide to apprenticeships

You may be able to 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

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'll need:

• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• analytical thinking skills
• maths knowledge
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• science skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In this role, you could:

• develop and test new systems to help investigate patients' conditions
• monitor equipment to make sure it’s accurate, safe and well-maintained
• train hospital staff
• plan treatment programmes and explain procedures to patients
• carry out procedures and analysing test results
• use computer simulations and mathematical modelling in research and development work

You could work in a laboratory or in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear protective clothing.