When it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of NHS patients, radiography assistants and imaging support professionals play an extremely important role.
a day at the office
You will work closely with diagnostic radiographers and/or therapeutic radiographers as a radiography assistant or imaging support worker. Diagnostic radiographers use imaging to determine which disease or condition is causing a patient's illness. Therapeutic radiographers use doses of x-rays and other ionizing radiation to treat medical conditions like cancer and tumors.
Your tasks will consist of the following:
putting together pictures
placing orders for stockpiles of commodities that are consumed quickly
assisting with diagnostic procedures including biopsies
ensuring that the workplace is tidy and free of contamination at all times
patient preparation, which may include lifting patients in preparation for therapy
inspecting the apparatus and providing feedback on any problems found
entering data
Who will I be collaborating with?
Radiography assistants and imaging support workers collaborate closely with diagnostic radiographers and therapeutic radiographers, as well as medical physicists, engineers, physicians, registered nurses, and other health care professionals.
Where will I get employment?
The majority of radiography assistants and imaging support professionals are employed at hospitals that are part of the NHS. They offer a service for the majority of the departments that are housed inside the hospital, including the emergency room, outpatient services, operating theaters, and wards.
A number of radiography assistants and image support professionals now find employment in the private healthcare sector.
Entry requirements
There are no specific admission criteria that must be met in order to become a radiography assistant or an image support professional. Skills in numeracy, reading, and the use of technology are expected by employers. They could need GCSEs or something like. A healthcare qualification, such as a BTEC or NVQ, could be required for a job in this field.
Experience in the appropriate field is often requested by potential employers. Even in cases where this is not specifically required, it would be to your benefit if you had previous experience working in the health or social care industry, whether in a paid position or as a volunteer. If you are applying for a position in the NHS, you will be asked to demonstrate how you believe the values of the NHS relate to the job that you do on a daily basis.
Personal qualities and necessary abilities are essential.
Radiography assistants and imaging support professionals are required to have the following qualifications:
very safety-conscious
interested in technological advancements
peaceful as well as comforting
capable of comprehending and precisely carrying out directions
Because the work requires a lot of lifting and standing, you need to be physically fit.
You'll furthermore need
talents in verbal and nonverbal communication
excellent observation skills
capacity to acquire new abilities and remain current in one's field
Training and professional advancement
You will obtain the education necessary to work as an image support worker or as an assistant in radiography. These are the following:
an introduction to the department, including its organizational structures and operational processes
using the tools and resources
safety and health concerns
You may be able to get a certificate in clinical imaging support if you put in the effort (at level 2 or 3). There is also the possibility that you may participate in an apprenticeship.
The Society of Radiographers is comprised of members that include radiography assistants and imaging support personnel. Training events and conferences are hosted by the Society to provide radiography assistants and image support workers with opportunities to upgrade their skill sets and network with others engaged in work that is comparable to their own.
The wages and working conditions
Your typical work week will consist of around 37.5 hours, and it is possible that you may work a variety of shifts, including nights, early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Your compensation will be determined using the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay structure, and you will most likely begin at band 2 or 3.
In addition, you will have access to our substantial pension plan and health care discounts, in addition to 27 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays, with the number of days of annual leave increasing the longer you are employed by the company.