Radiographer
Radiography is a caring profession which calls for considerable technological expertise. There are two branches: diagnostic radiography and therapeutic radiography. Diagnostic radiographers are responsible for producing high-quality images on film and other recording materials which help doctors to diagnose disease and the extent of injuries. Therapeutic radiographers help to treat patients, many of whom have cancer, using X-rays, ionising radiation and sometimes drugs.
06 · Qualifications & training you need
A degree or postgraduate qualification is important, although in-service study can also be undertaken as an assistant to qualify.
Where people train for this
03 · Education pathway
Relevant tertiary professional education; clinical/regulated training where applicable.
09 · Personal qualities and skills
You need to be physically fit and confident in handling highly specialised tech- nical equipment. You should have good numeracy skills for calculating quanti- ties and you must be able to work as part of a team. You should have an acute awareness of health and safety issues.
04 · Lifestyle
Diagnostic radiographers work in shifts, while those working in the therapeutic branches of radiography have more regular hours.
04 · Location
Radiographers mainly work in a hospital or clinic, within a specialized radiography unit or in an operating theatre.
21 · The realities
Shift-work does not suit everyone, and financial rewards can be modest. The hospital environment is physically and emotionally stressful.
20 · Salary guide
New entrants start on around £12,000; this rises to £17,000 after two or three years’ experience. Senior quarry workers earn between £20,000 and £25,000. There are often opportunities to increase earnings with overtime and shift-work payments. Q EPIC Training Ltd, Alban Row,
12 · How the pathway typically runs
AT A GLANCE The radiography profession is split into two distinct strands. Diagnostic radiographers use imaging technologies, such as X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT), and ultrasound to diagnose illness and injury. Therapeutic radiographers use targeted doses of radiation to treat patients with conditions such as cancer.
07 · Graduate route
When opting for a degree in radiography, you will need to choose between diagnostic and therapeutic radiography. ASSISTANT Helping radiographers in day-to-day work as an assistant, you may be able to undertake in-service study to qualify as a radiographer.