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Radiographer

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

Radiographers use equipment to diagnose or treat patients who are ill or injured.

Average salary (a year)

£25,654 Starter

to

£45,838 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 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 an approved degree or postgraduate qualification, which allows you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council. You'll need registration to work.

Before you apply for a course, you'll need to think about whether you want to work in diagnostic radiography or therapeutic radiography. Visiting a radiography department at your local hospital may help you decide.

If you're a health professional or a graduate with a relevant first degree, you may be able to take a fast-track postgraduate qualification over 2 years.

You may be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

You can also train as a radiographer in the armed forces. You can 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 degree apprenticeship.

This typically takes 36 months to complete as 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. At this level, your employer may give you the opportunity to work and study part-time for a degree and a professional qualification to become a radiographer.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

When applying for degree courses and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to show an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in radiography from Health Careers and the 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, your could:

  • produce and interpret high quality images of the body to identify and diagnose injury and disease
  • screen for abnormalities
  • take part in surgical procedures like biopsies (examining tissues to find the cause of disease)

As a therapeutic radiographer, you could:

  • plan and give treatment using x-rays and other radioactive sources
  • work closely with medical specialists to plan treatment of malignant tumours or tissue defects
  • assess and monitor patients through treatment and follow-up

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

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: 06 September 2023
  • Location: London

Access to Higher Education Diploma: Radiography

  • Provider: STANMORE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 11 September 2023
  • Location: Stamore
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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