Medical Physicist

Also known as
Clinical scientist, healthcare scientist

Become a “hero of science"

This unusual role squishes together interesting bits of both healthcare and science. These particular experts understand the scanning and imaging equipment used to diagnose and treat patients.

At a glance

What can you expect from this role?
Average salary per year
£35000
Starter
Experienced
£35000
£57998
Typical hours
39 to 41 a week
You could work evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota
Flexible working hours?
Need a lab coat?
Sometimes!

What to expect

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.

More Information

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.

Explore the different ways to get into this role

People in these types of job started their career paths after studying courses like the ones below.

University

To become a medical physicist, you'll need a degree that includes a high level of physics, for example: applied physics…
Learn more

Apprenticeship

You can train for this job by applying for a place on a Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.…
Learn more

Work Experience

ou might be able to start work as a healthcare science assistant or associate and with experience, move on to…
Learn more

Other Routes

You could apply for a place on the NHS Practitioner Training Programme without a degree. You would study for a degree in…
Learn more

Discover the skills you need for this role

People in these types of job possess skills like the ones below.

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

Career progression

Career progression opportunities include

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

Related Careers

Those who are typically interested in this role may also like to consider these other opportunities
View all job roles
crosschevron-downchevron-rightarrow-leftarrow-right linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram