Radiography assistant

You may find it useful when applying for jobs if you've got a college qualification, for example:

• Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Support Services
• Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
• Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship as a healthcare science assistant.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start as a healthcare assistant and work your way up through training and promotion. You may be able to study on the job for a qualification in clinical imaging support.

You may have an advantage if you've worked or volunteered in a health or social care role.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice. Do-it also has information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

You could apply directly to work as a radiography assistant. There are no set requirements, although many employers will ask for GCSE in subjects like maths, English and science.

Some employers may also prefer you to have a qualification in healthcare or health and social care.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Society of Radiographers for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can get more advice about working as a radiography assistant from Health Careers.

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of medicine and anatomy
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

• provide reassurance to patients
• give information
• take patients to and from other wards
• help to maintain equipment and reporting any faults
• assist with procedures like biopsies
• undertake clerical tasks

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

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.