Medical Physicist
Use physics to develop and assure safe, effective medical imaging and radiotherapy treatments.
A day in the life
Calibrate MRI or linac equipment, plan radiotherapy doses, work with oncologists and engineers, and ensure patient safety.
Typical route
Helpful A-levels
Physics and Maths are helpful; Biology or Chemistry can also be useful
Typical qualification and training
- Physics, Medical Physics or another degree meeting the current STP medical-physics requirements
- NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) in Medical Physics
STP applicants need a pure or applied science degree relevant to the specialty and must check the current specialty person specification.
These are common routes, not compulsory subject combinations. Entry requirements vary between universities, training schemes and employers, so always check the current provider requirements.
NHS Agenda for Change (England)
- Band 6
- £39,959–£48,117
- Band 7
- £49,387–£56,515
- Band 8a
- £57,528–£64,750
England Agenda for Change bands 6, 7 and 8a respectively. STP trainees are commonly paid at Band 6; registered and senior roles vary by post, nation and employer.
Salary range checked against NHS Employers: Pay scales 2026/27.
UK employers
- NHS
- Siemens Healthineers
- GE Healthcare
- Philips
Worldwide employers
- Mayo Clinic
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Siemens Healthineers (global)
- Varian
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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