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Radiographer

Alternative titles for this job include Medical radiographer, diagnostic radiographer, therapeutic radiographer

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

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£43,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a radiographer

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:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

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.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for jobs and training.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in radiography from Health Careers and The College of Radiographers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a hospice.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a radiographer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE Diploma - Radiography

  • Provider: Morley College
  • Start date: 04 September 2024
  • Location: London

Access to HE Diploma Radiography: Online

  • Provider: ACTIVATE LEARNING
  • Start date: 14 August 2024
  • Location: Not known
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