Radiography assistant
Radiography assistants help radiographers to take images and scans of patients.
Also known as: Imaging support worker
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£31,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
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
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
Work
You could start as a healthcare assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.
Volunteering
Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.
You can also find opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) 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.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
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
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Guides for this industry
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