Is It Risky to Leave the NHS for a Job with a Medical Technology Provider?
If you’re a Clinical Scientist working in radiotherapy physics, you’ve likely been approached with job opportunities in the private sector – perhaps in roles like Application Physicist or Application Specialist for a medical technology provider. These roles appeal to many, but they also raise an important question:
“Will I be more at risk of redundancy if I leave the NHS?” Let’s take a closer look.
The Perceived Risk: NHS Stability vs. Industry Uncertainty
It’s understandable to feel cautious:
- The NHS is considered a highly secure employer, with redundancy being extremely rare.
- In contrast, private sector companies can restructure, change direction, or downsize if markets shift.
So yes – on the surface, a role outside the NHS might seem less secure.
The Reality: Industry Roles Like Application Physicist Can Be Very Stable
But here’s the full picture – especially relevant if you’re a radiotherapy physicist or medical physicist considering a commercial role:
- Application Physicists are business-critical. These roles involve training clinical users on advanced radiotherapy equipment and software, helping hospitals achieve safe and effective patient care. Without you, the tech can’t be implemented successfully.
- The medical technology sector is resilient. Most companies you’d join are established and growing, supplying essential QA tools, treatment planning systems, and imaging solutions. An established company is very different to a startup.
- Your skills are rare and in demand. Companies actively seek Clinical Scientists from the NHS for their hands-on expertise and credibility in the field of medical physics.
Reframing the Idea of “Risk”
Rather than asking, “What if I get made redundant?”, consider these equally important questions:
- What’s the risk of being underpaid or under-challenged long-term?
- What’s the risk of not using your full skillset?
- What’s the risk of missing out on faster salary growth, international exposure, and innovative tech?
Sometimes, the greater risk lies in staying still.
Benefits of Moving from NHS to Industry
Here’s what many clinical scientists gain when they transition into roles like Application Physicist:
- Increased salary and bonus potential
- Greater variety, supporting multiple hospitals or trusts
- Professional development, including international training and conferences
- Broader impact, shaping how radiotherapy is delivered at a national level
And importantly – many physicists who make the move never look back. Those who return to the NHS later often do so with more experience, commercial awareness, and confidence.
Final Thoughts: A Career Move Worth Exploring
If you’re a medical physicist in the NHS and considering a move to industry, it’s natural to feel hesitant. But when you understand the true nature of roles like Application Physicist, the decision becomes less about “risk” and more about growth.
Thinking About Making the Move?
At Helix Medical Recruitment, we specialise in connecting Clinical Scientists and Radiotherapy Physicists with leading MedTech companies across the UK and Ireland. We’ll help you explore your options, understand the culture shift, and make an informed decision – no pressure, just honest advice.
Want to explore what’s out there?
Contact us for a confidential conversation about your options.
Author: Jamie Ruffle
Date: 14 April 2025
