Radiographer jobs

You will utilize modern technology to peer into patients' bodies and understand the fundamental causes of their sickness, and you will collaborate with colleagues on diagnostic and treatment strategies. Radiography is one of the most creative elements of healthcare.

a day at the office

As a diagnostic radiographer, one of your primary responsibilities will be to employ cutting-edge equipment to get pictures of the inside structures of patients in order to better comprehend and diagnose medical disorders. You'll be supporting patients throughout the whole of their therapy while working in a hospital setting to develop treatment plans in collaboration with patients and other medical professionals. You will be required to use some of the most intricate and cutting-edge technologies in the industry, such as a CT scanner to create a 3D picture for a surgeon and an MRI scanner to prepare a patient for the examination. Diagnostic radiographers play a crucial role in a broader multidisciplinary team, collaborating and providing advice to coworkers in a variety of areas.

Entry requirements

To become a diagnostic radiographer, the first step is to get a degree or master's degree in diagnostic radiography from an institution that is recognized and pass the associated exams. The completion of degree programs may take three to four years when attended full time and up to six years when attended part time. There are also postgraduate programs that may be completed in a span of two years. Before you are allowed to begin working in your field, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requires that you first register with them once you have earned your degree. You also have the option of pursuing a degree that was earned via an apprenticeship.

The following are normally required to enroll in a course at the undergraduate level:

Five General Certificates of Secondary Education (grades A-C), covering English Language, Mathematics, and Science.

Two out of three A levels are required, with at least one of the following subjects: physics, chemistry, or biology/human biology.

Or similar qualifications:

A scientific component inside a BTEC, HND, or HNC degree.

A relevant NVQ.

A foundational study in the natural sciences.

Qualifications that are accepted in Scotland or Ireland.

Because the admittance criteria for each institution are different, it is essential to verify with the universities directly. In addition to academic credentials, the findings of an interview and any other selection procedures that may have been conducted are often taken into consideration. It is also a good idea to spend some time working with a diagnostic radiography team in order to have some first-hand understanding of what the profession entails and the challenges that it presents.

When applying for a degree, you will be required to demonstrate how you feel the values of the NHS relate to the job that you do on a daily basis.

Annual payments

If you are qualified, you will get a yearly stipend of at least 6,000 pounds to assist with the costs of your education while you are attending college. It's possible that because of your unique circumstances, you may get more. What's the good news, you ask? You won't ever have to worry about having to pay it back. Learn as much as you can.

Apprenticeship leading to a degree

Another path to become a diagnostic radiographer is to complete an apprenticeship program leading to a degree. Apprenticeships provide individuals with the opportunity to earn a livelihood while simultaneously working toward the completion of their certification. Because both your company and the government will be responsible for paying the tuition costs, apprenticeships do not qualify for student subsidies.

Must-have skills

Remember that a person's academic credentials are not the only thing that matters. You will need to have an interest in emerging technologies, be safety-conscious, possess strong observational abilities, and be able to evaluate data in order to be successful in this position. However, those with a strong interest in technology are encouraged to apply. In addition to this, you will need to have excellent communication skills and feel as at ease discussing treatment strategies with individual patients as you do with your contemporaries in the professional world.

Instruction and advancement in one's profession

After you have achieved your qualification, you will be required to participate in yearly Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins. During these check-ins, we will review your career goals and outline how we may assist you in achieving those goals so that you are continually making progress. You will also be urged to join The Society of Radiographers, which is a professional organization that offers educational opportunities such as classes, conferences, and seminars.

As your career advances, you may decide to specialize in a specific kind of imaging, such as computerized tomography scanning, or you may decide to pursue more training in order to become a sonographer. You might also choose to specialize in dealing with a certain population, such as children, individuals recovering from strokes, or cancer patients. There is also the option of teaching or doing research.

If you work for the NHS, you can find yourself in charge of your own radiography team, where you are responsible for managing finances, employees, and equipment.

Benefits and remuneration

The typical length of your workweek will be around 37.5 hours, and you will be required to maintain a flexible schedule over the course of the week. You will be paid according to the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay scheme if you choose to work as a diagnostic radiographer, often beginning on band 5.

In addition, you will get 27 days of yearly vacation in addition to the bank holidays, as well as savings on health services and participation in our comprehensive pension plan.