Medical physicist
Medical physicists design, develop and test the scanning and imaging equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a medical physicist, you could:
- design and develop systems to diagnose and treat health conditions
- monitor equipment to make sure it’s accurate, safe and well-maintained
- plan treatment programmes and explain procedures to patients
- carry out procedures and analyse test results
- do research using computer simulations and mathematical modelling
- write reports and present to scientific and non scientific audiences
- train hospital staff in the safe use of equipment
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a principal medical physicist
- manage a hospital department
- work in higher education and research
- move into the medical equipment manufacturing industry
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- science skills
- knowledge of medicine
- 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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a trainee scheme
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
- physics with nuclear technology
You would then move on to the the 3-year NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
You'll need a first or upper second class honours degree to apply for the STP, 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
You can train for this job by applying for a place on a Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This combines work-based learning with study at university.
The first 2 years cover broad based science. In your third year you can specialise in medical physics.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
You might be able to start work as a healthcare science assistant or associate and with experience, move on to a degree apprenticeship.
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
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, for professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about careers and training in medical physics through the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine and Health Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.