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Medical physicist

Alternative titles for this job include Clinical scientist, healthcare scientist

Medical physicists are specialists in healthcare science, also known as clinical science.

Average salary (a year)

£31,365 Starter

to

£51,668 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

More Information

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

More Information

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.

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • science skills
  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role, you could:

  • design, develop and test new devices and systems to diagnose and treat health 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 analyse test results
  • use computer simulations and mathematical modelling in research and development work
  • write reports and present to scientific and non scientific audiences

Working environment

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could go on to lead a department, work in higher education, research, or in the medical equipment manufacturing industry.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a medical physicist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE Diploma (Science)

  • Provider: NEWCASTLE AND STAFFORD COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Stafford

Access to HE Diploma (Science)

  • Provider: RNN GROUP
  • Start date: 05 September 2023
  • Location: Rotherham
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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