Job Description
A Diagnostic Radiographer will use x-rays, MRI, ultrasound, angiography and other imaging technology to diagnose disorders and injuries such as broken bones or to work out what disease or condition is causing the patient's illness. They are likely to work in the radiology and imaging departments of hospitals to capture and interpret images and report the findings to the relevant department within the hospital.
A Therapeutic Radiographer will plan treatments and use doses of x-rays and other ionising radiation to treat medical conditions such as cancer and tumours. They will ensure the patient's tumour or cancer receives the right amount of radiation to the targeted area and will make sure the surrounding normal tissue receives the lowest possible dose.
Entry Requirements
You can become a radiographer by either doing a degree, a degree level apprenticeship or you could work you way towards the role and study at the same time.
University
You'll need an approved degree which will allow you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The course you take will depend on whether you wish to work in diagnostic on therapeutic radiography.
If you're a health professional or a graduate with a relevant first degree, you could take a fast-track pre-registration postgraduate diploma or Masters qualification in radiography.
For your degree course you will usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- and 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer degree apprenticeship
You will usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent including English, maths and science
- and A levels or equivalent
Work based route
You could also start as a radiography assistant and work your way up to assistant practitioner. You can then work and study part time for a degree and a professional qualification as a radiographer.
Career Path and Progression
With experience, you could become a sonography specialist, radiography team leader or consultant practitioner.
You could also take further qualifications to specialise in:
- counselling and palliative care
- the use of certain techniques or equipment
- working with specific groups of patients
- research and teaching
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Clinical scientist
- Dentist
- Physicist
- Prosthetist-orthotist
- Radiography assistant
Required Skills
- The ability to use complex technology and sophisticated scanning equipment
- A strong interest in science
- An eye for detail
- Care and consideration for others
- Empathy for patients who may be very ill
- Able to think quickly and make decisions
- A desire to keep up to date with techniques and technology
Salary Range
£24,907 to £44,503
