Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine — 2026 Application Guide
Complete guide to applying for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine in the 2026 recruitment cycle. This page covers eligibility requirements, self-assessment scoring criteria, portfolio sections, key dates, required forms, and evidence guidance — building on Specialty Training.
Oriel route name: Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine · Route family: specialty-training
Interview preparation guide for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine →Medically reviewed by MedNext Clinical Team. Last reviewed 27 April 2026. See our editorial policy and correction policy.
About Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine
Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine is a specialty training programme entering at sub-specialty training in the final year of clinical radiology. Selection uses portfolio-scored selection. The full training pathway typically takes 8 years total.
Entry Level
Year 6
Training Duration
8 years total (2yr foundation + 5yr radiology + 1yr sub-specialty)
Selection Method
Portfolio Scored
Training Pathway
Official Source Documents
The scoring criteria, eligibility requirements, and self-assessment guidance on this page are derived from the following official documents. Always refer to the latest published version before your application.
Published by: NHS England Medical Hub
View original documentPublished by: PHST Recruitment
View original documentKey Dates & Deadlines
Important dates for the Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine 2026 recruitment cycle. Check the official recruitment timeline for the most up-to-date information, as dates may change.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all essential eligibility criteria to be considered for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine. These are assessed at the application stage. Failure to meet any essential requirement will result in your application being rejected.
Track the core published eligibility requirements for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine.
Entry Criteria — Person Specification
The following entry criteria are extracted from the official 2026 person specification for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine. You must meet all essential criteria at the point specified. Failure to meet any essential criterion will result in your application being rejected.
Qualifications
3 Application form Interview/selection centre 4 , pre-employment check- Applicants must have:
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
- FRCR at time of application
- Full MRCP (UK) 1 or MRCPCH or MRCS by offer date 2
Eligibility
Application form, interview/selection centre- Hold full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) at the time of application, and hold a current licence to practise on the date your post commences.
- Minimum of 5 years higher specialist training in Clinical Radiology (inclusive of completion of General Radiology and Specialist Interest in Radionuclide Radiology training) with a successful ARCP outcome for year 5 by the advertised post start date for the vacancy or equivalent
- Have evidence of achievement of core clinical capabilities via one of the following training routes evidenced by ARCP: 1. Internal Medicine stage 1 training: Previous successful completion of year 2 of Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training via one of these approved routes: UK Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training UK ACCS (Internal Medicine) UK Broad Based Training (medicine route) JRCPTB internationally level 3 accredited equivalent Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training programme UK core medical training or ACCS (acute medicine) 2. Paediatric level 1 training: Current employment in a UK paediatric training programme, which leads to successful completion of paediatric capabilities commensurate with a trainee who has completed ST3, as defined by the Paediatric RCPCH Progress+ curriculum, by the advertised post start date for the vacancy. 3. Core Surgical training: Previous successful completion of Core Surgical Training programme or completed Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training
- - 1. Internal Medicine stage 1 training: Previous successful completion of year 2 of Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training via one of these approved routes: UK Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training UK ACCS (Internal Medicine) UK Broad Based Training (medicine route) JRCPTB internationally level 3 accredited equivalent Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training programme UK core medical training or ACCS (acute medicine)
- - 2. Paediatric level 1 training: Current employment in a UK paediatric training programme, which leads to successful completion of paediatric capabilities commensurate with a trainee who has completed ST3, as defined by the Paediatric RCPCH Progress+ curriculum, by the advertised post start date for the vacancy.
- - 3. Core Surgical training: Previous successful completion of Core Surgical Training programme or completed Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training
- Be eligible to work in the UK
Fitness to practise
Application form References- Is up to date and fit to practise safely
Language skills
Application form, interview/selection centre- Applicants must have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues as assessed by the General Medical Council 5
Health
Application form, pre-employment health screening- Applicants must meet professional health requirements (in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice)
Career progression
Application form Interview/selection centre- For those wishing to be considered for Locum Appointment for Training posts (where available): no more than 24 months experience in LAT posts in the specialty by the advertise posts start date for the vacancy
- Be able to provide complete details of their employment history.
- Have evidence that their career progression is consistent with their personal circumstances.
- Have evidence that their present level of achievement and performance is commensurate with the totality of their period of training.
- Have at least 24 months’ appropriately supervised and relevant clinical training experience (not including Foundation modules) by the time of commencement of radiology training and include at least 12 months must include the care of in-patients admitted on unselected take. This experience must be/have been gained in one of: a UK internal medicine training programme in medicine or equivalent (physician medical specialties as defined by JRCPTB) paediatric level 1 training programme or equivalent core surgical training programme or equivalent
- - a UK internal medicine training programme in medicine or equivalent (physician medical specialties as defined by JRCPTB)
- - paediatric level 1 training programme or equivalent
- - core surgical training programme or equivalent
- Minimum of 5 years higher specialist training in Clinical Radiology (inclusive of completion of General Radiology and Specialist Interest in Radionuclide Radiology training) with a successful ARCP outcome for year 5 by time of appointment or equivalent
- Evidence of appropriate progression in Radionuclide Radiology with achievement of Level 3 and Level 4 Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) in diagnostic radionuclide procedures at the time of application (as defined by the curriculum relating to Clinical Radiology) by the time of appointment supported by evidence from workplace-based assessments of clinical performance (Rad-DOPs, MINI-IPX, and Multisource Feedback or Equivalent, ARCP or equivalent)
- Have notified the Training Programme Director of the Specialty Training Programme they are currently training in if applying to continue training in the same specialty in another region.
- Not already hold, nor be eligible to hold, a CCT/CESR in the specialty they are applying for and/or must not currently be eligible for the specialist register for the specialty to which they are applying 6
- If you have previously resigned, or been removed from, a training programme in any specialty, you must obtain a Support for Reapplication to Specialty Training form signed by the Training Programme Director/Head of School and Postgraduate Dean from the region you previously undertook training in. This must be submitted with your application. 7
Application completion
Application form- ALL sections of application form completed FULLY according to written guidelines.
Selection Criteria — Person Specification
Shortlisted candidates are assessed against these selection criteria. Essential criteria are requirements; desirable criteria can strengthen your application. Understanding both columns helps you target your evidence and interview preparation.
Qualifications
Application form Interview/selection centreEssential
- As Above
Desirable
- Higher degrees including MSc, PhD or MD (not including intercalated BSc or ‘Honorary’ MA)
Clinical Experience
Application form Interview/selection centre References- Evidence of experience in a range of acute specialties, with experience of managing patients on unselected take during at least 12 months of Core Training or equivalent
Clinical Skills – Clinical Experience & Knowledge
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Ability to apply sound clinical knowledge and judgement.
- Able to work without direct supervision where appropriate.
- Able to prioritise clinical need.
- Able to maximise safety and minimise risk.
- Recognition of, and ability to, undertake the initial management of an acutely ill patient
Desirable
- Evidence of skills in the management of patients not requiring hospital admission
Academic Skills
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Research, Audit and Quality Improvement:
- Demonstrates understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues.
- Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence based practice, patient safety and clinical quality improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrates knowledge of evidence informed practice
- Demonstrates an understanding of clinical governance.
- Evidence of teaching experience and/or training in teaching
Desirable
- Research, Audit and Quality Improvement:
- Demonstrates an understanding of research methodology.
- Evidence of relevant academic and research achievements, and involvement in a formal research project
- Evidence of relevant academic publications
- Evidence of involvement in an audit project, a quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity which:
- Focuses on patient safety and clinical improvement.
- Demonstrates an interest in and commitment to the specialty beyond the mandatory curriculum.
- Evidence of a portfolio of audit/quality improvement projects, including where the audit loop has been closed and there is evidence of learning of the principles of change management.
- Evidence of exceptional achievement in medicine
- Evidence of involvement in teaching students, postgraduates and other professionals
- Evidence of participation in a teaching course
Personal Skills
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Communication Skills:
- Problem Solving and Decision Making:
- Empathy and Sensitivity:
- Managing Others and Team Involvement:
- Organisation and Planning:
- Vigilance and Situational Awareness:
- Coping with Pressure and Managing Uncertainty:
- Values:
- Demonstrates clarity in written/spoken communication, and capacity to adapt language to the situation, as appropriate.
- Able to build rapport, listen, persuade and negotiate.
- Capacity to use logical/lateral thinking to solve problems/make decisions, indicating an analytical/scientific approach.
- Capacity to take in others’ perspectives and treat others with understanding; sees patients as people.
- Demonstrates respect for all.
- Able to work in multi professional teams and supervise junior medical staff.
- Ability to show leadership, make decisions, organise and motivate other team members, for the benefit of patients through, for example, audit and quality improvement projects.
- Capacity to work effectively with others.
- Capacity to manage/prioritise time and information effectively.
- Capacity to prioritise own workload and organise ward rounds.
- Evidence of thoroughness (is well prepared, shows self-discipline/commitment, is punctual and meets deadlines)
- Capacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues.
- Capacity to operate under pressure.
- Demonstrates initiative and resilience to cope with changing circumstances.
- Can deliver good clinical care in the face of uncertainty.
- Understands, respects and demonstrates the values of the NHS xiii (e.g., everyone counts; improving lives; commitment to quality of care; respect and dignity; working together for patients; compassion)
Desirable
- Management and Leadership Skills:
- IT Skills:
- Other:
- Evidence of involvement in management commensurate with experience
- Demonstrates an understanding of NHS management and resources.
- Evidence of effective multi-disciplinary team working and leadership, supported by multi-source feedback or another workplace-based assessments.
- Evidence of effective leadership in and outside medicine
- Demonstrates information technology skills.
- Evidence of achievement outside medicine
- Evidence of altruistic behaviour e.g., voluntary work
- Evidence of organisational skills – not necessarily in medicine e.g., grant or bursary applications, organisation of a university club, sports section etc.
Probity – Professional Integrity
Application form Interview/selection centre References- Demonstrates probity (as outlined by the GMC)
Commitment to Specialty – Learning & Personal Development
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Shows initiative/drive/enthusiasm (self-starter, motivated, shows curiosity, initiative)
- Demonstrable interest in, and understanding of, nuclear medicine.
- Commitment to personal and professional development
- Evidence of attendance at organised teaching and training programme(s)
- Evidence of self-reflective practice.
- Commitment to chosen career for example through being able to demonstrate some of the following:
- an understanding of the use of modern imaging techniques in current clinical practice in nuclear medicine
- evidence of time spent in a nuclear medicine/radiology department observing the work of a nuclear medicine physician/radiologist with training in nuclear medicine.
- an understanding of the role of a consultant nuclear medicine physician/radiologist in the modern NHS, including the impact of NHS targets
- an understanding of the structure of training and potential careers in nuclear medicine
- appreciation of change in working practice i.e., a “service” specialty
- some knowledge of the opportunities and threats to a career in nuclear medicine
Desirable
- Extracurricular activities / achievements relevant to the specialty
- Evidence of participation at meetings and activities relevant to the specialty
Self-Assessment & Scoring
Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine uses a portfolio-scored selection process. Applicants complete a self-assessment based on official scoring criteria, then upload supporting evidence. Each question has its own point scale — some worth up to 6 points. Understanding the full marking scheme is essential to maximising your score.
Scoring Sections
The self-assessment is structured across 4 sections with 0 scored questions. Each question has variable points — refer to the official self-assessment guidance for exact marking tiers.
Qualifications and eligibility
Track uploads and mapping evidence for qualifications and eligibility.
Quality improvement and audit
Track uploads and mapping evidence for quality improvement and audit.
Academic output
Track uploads and mapping evidence for academic output.
Commitment and communication
Track uploads and mapping evidence for commitment and communication.
Interview Format
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Below is the expected interview structure for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine. Prepare for each station by reviewing the relevant areas of your portfolio and clinical experience.
Interview
Format: Selection process
Track the route interview flow and supporting evidence.
Required or Recommended Courses
Certain courses may be required or strongly recommended for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine applicants. Check the validity period — expired certificates may not be accepted.
Evidence Packaging & Export
Understanding how to package and present your evidence is just as important as having the evidence itself. Poorly organised submissions can result in lost marks even when the underlying evidence is strong.
Export Mode
section pdf
Each scored section PDF requires its own file
File Size Limit
10 MB per file
Compress images and merge PDFs to stay under the limit
Title Page
Required
Index Page
Not required
Ordering guidance: Group evidence by section and keep the most probative material first.
Evidence Validation Checklist
Before submitting your application, check your evidence against these validation rules. Items marked as errors will block your submission; warnings indicate areas that may cost marks.
Map evidence to a route target
Evidence should be assigned to a section or question before export so the pack builder can assemble the right output.
Check route-specific forms
The route requires supporting forms or certificates in addition to the core evidence uploads.
Evidence Guidelines
General guidance for evidence preparation and organisation for your Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine application.
- Keep uploads mapped to the route targets shown on this dashboard rather than storing undifferentiated files.
- Likely niche or family-specific guidance; review manually.
- co-recruited with Clinical Radiology via London & KSS; entry requires IMT/ACCS-IM/Paeds/CST + MRCP/MRCPCH/MRCS
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine?
How competitive is Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine?
What is the training pathway for Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine?
When does Year 6 - Nuclear Medicine 2026 recruitment open?
Related Specialties
Compare adjacent specialties that share a recruitment family, training pathway, or portfolio structure.
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