Clinical radiology ST3 recruitment and specialty training scheme

There are many doctors in the UK and globally who have prior experience in clinical radiology and can demonstrate that they have already acquired the knowledge and skills covered in the early stages of training. The capability-based curriculum for clinical radiology makes it possible for this prior experience to be recognised, and the ST3 process allows those eligible to start training further along the grade. Trainees recruited at ST3 must still meet the same overall standards expected of trainees who begin their training at ST1, just in a shorter time frame. 

ST3 recruitment is open to doctors who are eligible to work in the UK and who are fully registered with the GMC. You must be registered with the GMC to apply. You must not currently be eligible for entry on the GMC specialist register for clinical radiology. 

You must also provide evidence that you have achieved the capabilities required (as defined by the clinical radiology curriculum) for ST1 at the time of application and ST2 by the start date of the training post, including passing the FRCR Part 1 examination. 

This is done by means of an ‘Alternative Certificate to Enter Clinical Radiology Specialty Training’ which must be completed and signed by a clinical radiology or interventional radiology consultant who has worked within the NHS in the last five years, has an accurate knowledge of the clinical radiology curriculum and has worked with you for a minimum continuous period of three months. 

A full list of requirements can be found on the clinical radiology ST3 recruitment website.

Recruitment into UK clinical radiology training is a central process run by NHS England (NHSE). Full details can be found on the clinical radiology ST3 recruitment website. 

The recruitment process includes completing an application form and a scored self-assessment, as well as supplying the alternative certificate described above. You will be asked to upload evidence to support your self-assessment scores to an online portal.  

The NHSE recruitment team will check that you meet the eligibility requirements for a clinical radiology post and your self-assessment score will then be verified by a panel of clinical radiology consultants. Following verification, you will be invited to a remote interview via Microsoft Teams. Your final recruitment score will consist of your interview score and the verified self-assessment score. Successful applicants will be ranked based on their overall score and invited to list the available training posts in order of preference. Offers will be made to those who match to a post, based on your ranking and preferences. 

The application deadlines for ST3 recruitment are published on the recruitment timelines section of the recruitment website. 

Up until October 2025 the RCR ran a sponsorship scheme for clinical radiologist trainees at ST3 level to get their GMC Registration.

The RCR's GMC sponsorship scheme was open to doctors who had already been offered and accepted a place on an NHS specialty training scheme.

The current eligibility criteria from the NHSE National Recruitment Office requires everyone applying to have GMC registration already, meaning our sponsorship scheme has been concluded and will no longer be operating.