Radiographer

Radiographers play an essential part in the diagnosis or treatment of patients who are ill or injured. There are two types of radiographer. Diagnostic radiographers use a range of sophisticated equipment to produce high quality images to diagnose injury or disease. The techniques they use to create images of patients include x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and nuclear medicine (NM). Therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver treatment to patients who have cancer. They work closely with a team of medical specialists to plan and use radiation to treat malignant tumours or tissue defects.

Entry level
You must be registered with the Health Professions Council in order to work as a radiographer in the NHS, and you would normally achieve this by completing an approved degree course. Degree courses in radiography last three or four years and are offered by over 20 universities throughout the UK, combining university-based study with clinical placements in local hospitals.

Universities may be flexible in their entry requirements but the minimum qualifications are usually at least two A levels including a science subject plus five GCSEs (A-C) including English language, maths and science. Universities specifying Scottish qualifications tend to ask for three or four H grades, often including English, maths and a science subject plus other S grades. Other qualifications may also be acceptable.

Making the grade
Once in work, you may have the opportunity to take specialist part-time postgraduate courses in subjects such as ultrasound, CT scanning and MRI, as well as research, evidence-based practice, palliative care (treatment that relieves pain) and counselling. Increasingly, qualifications at postgraduate level are considered appropriate to the higher levels of clinical practice. You would also be expected to undertake continuing professional development.

In the NHS, you can progress to senior radiographer, superintendent and consultant radiographer but may find it necessary to move between employers to progress. A new career framework for radiographers is now introducing 'advanced practitioner' grades, enabling you to progress (possibly to consultant level) while maintaining a strong clinical focus to your work.

Personal qualities
As a radiographer, you would need excellent interpersonal skills to deal with patients of all types and ages, explaining procedures and treatments and reassuring those who are anxious or extremely unwell.

You must have an aptitude for working with complex high-tech equipment and you must be able to keep accurate records. You would be expected to work well in a team with other healthcare professionals.

Looking ahead
There is currently a worlwide shortage of both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers and your UK qualification would normally be accepted in most overseas countries. Within the UK, most radiographers work in NHS hospitals, clinics, radiotherapy or oncology centres. Some work in private hospitals and the armed forces.

Alternative suggestions
You might also consider training as a biomedical scientist, doctor, medical photographer, medical physicist, nurse, occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

Take-home pay
A newly-qualified radiographer in the NHS starts on a scale ranging from around £19,000 to £21,500 a year. A superintendent can earn up to £39,000, while a consultant radiographer can earn around £50,000 a year.

Radiographers working in London and other high-cost areas receive a cost of living supplement.

Effects
Most radiographers in the NHS work a 35 hour week but, for diagnostic radiographers, this would include regular night-time and weekend work, as departments are staffed 24 hours a day. Part-time work is possible. Therapeutic radiographers work more normal hours, seeing patients by appointment in specially equipped radiotherapy or oncology centres.

Health and safety training is central to the work of the radiographer as exposure to radiation can be dangerous, although radiology and radiotherapy departments are designed, equipped and operated to ensure the safety of both staff and patients.

Sources of information
Society and College of Radiographers: www.sor.org
Radiography Careers: www.radiographycareers.co.uk
NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
NHS Education for Scotland: www.nes.scot.nhs.uk
NHS Wales: www.wales.nhs.uk
Health Professions Council: www.hpc-uk.org

CRCI: JF