Radiographer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You'll need to do a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council to become a radiographer.

Your choice of degree course will depend on whether you want to work in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography.

You may be able to take a fast-track postgraduate qualification over 2 years if you're a health professional or have a relevant degree.

Extra student financial support may be available through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

You can also train as a radiographer in the armed forces. Find out more at:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiographer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of 36 months and is a mix of learning in the workplace and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You can start as a radiography assistant and work your way up to assistant practitioner. With the support of your employer you may then be able to work and study part-time for a radiography degree and professional qualification.

Volunteering

Volunteering in a hospital may give you the chance to speak with radiography staff to help you decide whether you want to train as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of medicine and medical procedures
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• customer service skills
• maths skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Radiographers take scans of patients to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.

As a diagnostic radiographer, you could:

• interpret images of the body to diagnose injury and disease
• screen for abnormalities
• take part in surgical procedures like biopsies

As a therapeutic radiographer, you could:

• work closely with medical specialists to plan treatments
• use x-rays and other radioactive treatments
• assess and monitor patients through treatment and follow-up appointments

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a hospice.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £43,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

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

You can find more career development options through The College of Radiographers.