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Radiographer

Do you want to become a Radiographer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Radiographers help to diagnose or treat patients who are ill or injured. There are two types of radiographer:

• Diagnostic radiographers produce images of the body so that injury or disease can be diagnosed. They use a range of technical equipment, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and nuclear medicine.
• Therapeutic radiographers treat patients who have cancer. They do this by using equipment to deliver accurate doses of radiation to tumours.

Most radiographers in the NHS work a 35 hour week. For diagnostic radiographers these hours usually include nights and weekends. Most diagnostic radiographers work in hospitals. Therapeutic radiographers usually work in specialist radiotherapy centres.

Salaries range from at least £18,240 a year for a newly-qualified radiographer, to £49,740 for a consultant radiographer.

A radiographer should:

• have an interest in science
• be concerned for the health and well-being of people
• be able to work accurately and with attention to detail.

There is a shortage of radiographers in the UK, even though the number has grown steadily. There are now just over 22,700. Most of them work in the NHS.

Training involves studying for a degree, either for diagnostic or therapeutic radiography. Courses last three or four years. Entry usually requires at least two A levels/three or four H grades. Equivalent qualifications are accepted.

Radiographers can specialise in a particular kind of work. Promotion is possible to senior, superintendent and consultant radiographer.

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