My career switch from medical records to medical physics

Finding my path in healthcare science

My route into NHS Scotland didn't follow a normal academic path. I left school with standard grades, but no specific technical qualifications. I joined NHS Scotland in a medical records role, but it wasn't quite what I wanted.

I wanted something much more technical. The strength of NHS Scotland is the massive variety of roles available. There are so many departments where technical skills support patient care, from estates to wheelchair services.

I hadn't considered medical physics at all until I met someone working there. Working in medical records gave me the chance to ask questions and learn what different teams do. A chance chat with a medical physics colleague opened a brand-new door for me.

They explained their job, and it sounded exactly like something I'd love doing. When a band 3 position in medical physics came up a few months later, I applied and got it. That moment started my whole career in healthcare science.

My first steps in clinical technology

My first role was working as a band 3 technologist supporting paediatrics and neonates. I also helped to support our busy maternity services. This early exposure to patient-facing environments really helped me develop my practical skills.

It gave me the exact discipline and problem-solving mindset you need for clinical technology. As a clinical technologist in clinical engineering, I blend hands-on engineering with clinical safety. We make sure issues are fixed quickly and efficiently.

We calibrate, maintain, monitor, test, and repair specialist medical devices. You'll use your knowledge of physics or engineering to monitor the safe use of hospital equipment. Your work directly helps patients receive accurate diagnoses and safe treatments.

I perform daily tests to check and fix complex medical equipment. Once I've completed this, I carefully record all the test results.

My top tips for a career in healthcare science

My journey shows you don't need a perfect start to build a strong career. Curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn will take you a long way. Here are my top tips for anyone wanting to follow a similar path.

• Talk to people—Many great opportunities start with simple conversations that broaden your view of the NHS.
• Be open-minded—Look for technical roles in unexpected places like orthotics or medical physics.
• Take the first step—Entry-level roles, Modern Apprenticeships, and work-based training opportunities can be a good route into healthcare science careers.
• Say yes to learning—Shadow a team, volunteer for a task, or join a new project.

Ready to explore a career like mine?

Healthcare Science Week is all about celebrating the people behind the technology. My journey shows that talent can grow from absolutely any starting point. NHS Scotland values practical skills, teamwork, and innovation.

Whether you're a student or a career changer, there's a place for you here. Explore technical roles in medical physics or clinical engineering, as they often recruit for entry-level positions. Look out for band 3 and band 4 posts or trainee technologist roles.

You can talk to your local medical physics team to find out more. You can also check our NHS Scotland careers pages for medical physics training programmes and apprenticeships. Thank you for reading my story, and I hope it inspires you to join us.

View our clinical technologist in medical physics job profile.