Honours degree Physics (2nd Class)

Medical and Radiation Physics (Merit) (IPEM accredited)

5 years’ work as a Research Assistant working in radiation biophysics at the CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology

I had an MSc from the University of Birmingham which had been accredited under the IPEM part I/II system, alongside my years of research experience in Oxford. I was advised that there would be Hospitals advertising Band 7 who would be prepared to employ me under the Route 2 scheme. However, it was highlighted that these opportunities are quite few and far between.

So search for Band 7 posts on the NHS Jobs website with the key words ‘Route 2’. Most adverts did not include this option, whilst some said it would be considered. I emailed the Heads of Department for those hospitals who offered it in order to assess their appetite for my application. A number of hospitals expressed an interest but cautioned that if candidates had already achieved registration, they would be prioritised. It was my current employer, however, who took a broader and more welcoming approach to recruitment via Route 2 and with whom my future training and prospects felt more secure.