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Radiography assistant

Alternative titles for this job include Imaging support worker

Radiography assistants help radiographers to take images and scans of patients.

Average salary (a year)

£22,383 Starter

to

£24,336 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a radiography assistant

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You may find it useful to do a college course before applying for jobs, for example:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
  • Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
  • A level in a science
  • T Level in Healthcare Science

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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This takes between 12 and 18 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

You could start as a healthcare assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.

Volunteering

You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from working in a healthcare setting. Some employers may ask for a qualification in healthcare and GCSE subjects like maths, English and science.

More Information

Career tips

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

Further information

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

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

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 radiography assistant, you would:

  • reassure patients and get them ready for their x-ray or scan
  • help to process images
  • enter patient data into a computer system
  • carry out routine equipment checks and report any faults
  • take patients to and from other wards

Working environment

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could:

  • go on to be an assistant practitioner
  • study part time to become a radiographer
  • join The Society of Radiographers for professional development opportunities

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Healthcare Science Assistant Apprentice Level 2

  • Wage: £11,349.00 Annually
  • Location: Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Healthcare Support Diploma

  • Provider: SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 11 March 2024
  • Location: Paignton

Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

  • Provider: THE OLDHAM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Oldham
Find courses near you

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