Entry requirements, skills and interests (nuclear medicine)

You'll enter this area of healthcare science through the NHS Practitioner Training Programme.

Entry requirements

You can enter the this area of work through the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). You can enter the PTP:

  • with at least two or three A-levels including science subjects and a good spread of GCSEs at A-C grade, entering the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) by taking an accredited BSc degree in healthcare science (nuclear medicine). If you don’t have A-levels, then alternative or equivalent qualifications may be accepted by some universities, but you are advised to check with each university (or visit their website) before making an application.

It can be advantageous to have gained some experience of working in a relevant environment before applying for a place on a course or job vacancy. You should always check with the course provider or employer to see what sort of experience is preferred or required.

Find out more about the training you’ll receive through the BSc (Hons) programme and registration for a career in nuclear medicine.

  • To work in nuclear medicine you’ll need:

    • a mature, calm, confident but sympathetic approach to achieve the best outcome for each patient – many patients may be anxious about the procedures and will need reassurance from you
    • to be confident with technology, systems and processes
    • an interest in science and technology, a good academic background and an ability to update and test your knowledge against experience
    • good communication skills to be able to liaise with the healthcare team and also to advise and reassure patients
    • meticulous attention to detail to produce highly accurate work even when under pressure
    • to be able to work as part of a team.

    If you work in a role with responsibility for resources (such as staff, budgets or equipment) you'll need excellent leadership skills and be able to use your initiative within the remit of your job role.

    If you're applying for a healthcare science role or training position either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work. The same will be true if you're applying for a university course funded by the NHS.

    The NHS values form a key part of the NHS Constitution.

    Find out more about the NHS Constitution.

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