Radiographer
Radiographers take scans of patients to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.
Also known as: Medical radiographer, diagnostic radiographer, therapeutic radiographer
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£48,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
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 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:
- Army
- Royal Air Force
- Royal Navy
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
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiographer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This takes 3 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with academic study.
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
Work
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
Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. It also gives you the opportunity to speak with radiography staff to help you decide whether to train as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
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
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0