Medical physicist

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - Medical physicists apply physics principles every day – from understanding how radiation interacts with the body to designing imaging systems like MRI and CT scanners. Their entire role is built on using physics to solve healthcare problems, whether that's calibrating equipment or planning radiotherapy treatments.
• Mathematics - Medical physicists use mathematical modelling and computer simulations to plan treatment programmes and predict how radiation doses will affect the body. They also rely on statistics and calculus when analysing test results and ensuring equipment measurements are accurate.
• Biology - Medical physicists need to understand how the human body works so they can design equipment and treatments that interact safely with living tissue. Knowledge of cell biology is particularly important when working with radiation therapy, where the goal is to target diseased cells while protecting healthy ones.
• Computer Science - Medical physicists use computer simulations and mathematical modelling as a core part of their research and treatment planning. They may also develop or configure specialist software used in imaging systems and radiation dose calculations.

Also relevant

• Chemistry - Medical physicists benefit from understanding the chemical properties of materials used in medical equipment and contrast agents used in imaging. Knowledge of nuclear chemistry is also relevant when working with radioactive isotopes used in diagnostic scans and cancer treatment.
• Engineering - Medical physicists design, develop, and maintain complex medical equipment such as scanners and radiation therapy machines. Understanding engineering principles helps them troubleshoot technical problems and work with manufacturers to improve device performance.
• Electronics - Medical physicists work with sophisticated electronic systems inside imaging and treatment equipment, including detectors, sensors, and signal processing circuits. Understanding how these electronic components function helps when calibrating, testing, and maintaining medical devices.
• English Language - Medical physicists write detailed reports and present findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, including doctors, patients, and hospital managers. Being able to explain complex technical information clearly is essential for effective treatment planning and staff training.