Radiographer
Radiographers take scans of patients to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.
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
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
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:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
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
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
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 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.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
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.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.