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

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

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

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

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

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.