Radiographers help diagnose or treat patients who are ill or injured, using different kinds of radiation such as x-rays, radioisotopes, ultrasound and magnetic resonance.

Radiographers use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, and their ability to work with highly technical, computerised equipment to care for and treat patients.

There are two types of radiography.

Diagnostic radiography - this involves producing and interpreting high-quality images of the body to identify and diagnose injury and disease or screen for abnormalities. Increasingly, radiographers are involved in interventional procedures, such as biopsies.

Therapeutic radiography - this includes planning and delivering prescribed treatment using x-rays and other radioactive sources. They work closely with a team of medical specialists to plan and treat malignant tumours or tissue defects, using radiation. The work involves assessing and monitoring the patient throughout the course of treatment and follow up.

Both areas of radiography involve working as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside radiologists, clinical oncologists, physicists, radiology nurses and other health care professionals.

Hours and Environment

Most radiographers in the NHS work around 37.5 hours a week. Diagnostic radiographers regularly work nights and weekends.

Diagnostic radiographers work mainly in the radiography department of a hospital, but can also work in other departments such as outpatients, Accident and Emergency, operating theatres and wards. Unsocial hours are often required to accommodate shift patterns.

Increasingly there are opportunities for radiographers to work in primary health care (particularly GP surgeries), and occasionally sports clubs, using ultrasound to assess injury.

Therapeutic radiographers work in specially equipped radiotherapy/oncology centres across the country.

Radiographers usually wear a uniform, and diagnostic radiographers wear protective clothing when carrying out certain procedures. The work can be tiring, stressful, physically and emotionally demanding.

Skills and Interests

To be a radiographer you should:

• have an interest and ability in science subjects, especially biology and physics
• have an aptitude for working with complex high-tech equipment
• work with accuracy and attention to detail
• be able to think quickly and make decisions independently
• be willing to keep up to date with new techniques and treatments
• have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• be able to understand the emotional needs of patients who are very ill
• be physically fit and emotionally resilient.

Entry

To work as a radiographer in the NHS you need to complete a degree course approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). The HPC hold details of all approved courses on their website; see Further Information.

The entry requirements for a degree in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography are likely to include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus three A levels/H grades, one of which must be a science. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

If you are an existing health care professional, or a graduate with a relevant first-degree, you may be able to qualify in radiography by completing a pre-registration postgraduate diploma or Masters course at an approved university.

You should visit a radiography department or radiotherapy centre before applying for a course.

Training

Diagnostic and therapeutic radiography are two distinct disciplines. You need to decide which area of radiography to work in before applying for a course.

On a radiography degree course you will study for three years full-time (four years in Northern Ireland and Scotland) or the part-time equivalent. The course combines university-based studies with clinical placements in local hospitals. You will develop technical, scientific and managerial skills.

Once in employment, you are likely to undertake further specialist postgraduate training on a part-time basis in subjects such as:

• ultrasound
• computed tomography (CT scanning) 
• magnetic resonance imaging
• research
• evidence-based practice
• palliative care and counselling.

To specialise and work as a sonographer or ultrasonographer, you usually need to qualify in radiography and then complete a post-registration course. Courses in this field must to be approved by the Consortium for Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE), and usually take around one academic year. Check the Society of Radiographers website for details.

As a radiographer, you can access an ongoing programme of continuing professional development through the Society of Radiographers.

Opportunities

Most radiographers are employed in NHS hospitals, clinics or radiotherapy centres. There are some opportunities to work in private hospitals or the armed forces, and to work overseas.

There are opportunities to undertake further training and qualifications to specialise in a particular area of work, for example:

• counselling and palliative care
• using particular techniques or equipment
• working with a particular group of patients
• research
• teaching
• quality assurance.

Radiographers can develop their career towards becoming a sonography specialist, a radiography team leader or consultant.  

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

A radiographer in the NHS can earn between £19,000 and £25,000 a year.
With experience this can rise to around £31,000.
Sonographers and radiography team leaders can earn £37,000.
Consultant radiographers can earn up to £61,000.

Further information

207 Providence Square
Mill Street
London
SE1 2EW
Tel: 020 7740 7200 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655