Case studies : Therapy radiographer: Michelle

Michelle has a BSc (Hons) Health Sciences and a PgD Radiotherapy & Oncology (postgraduate diploma leading to professional registration as a therapeutic radiographer). She currently works as a therapy radiographer (radiotherapy and oncology) for an NHS Foundation Trust.

I chose a career in radiotherapy and oncology after visiting a radiotherapy department to see what the job entailed. I had already done a degree in health sciences and was struggling to decide where I wanted to go next, but knew I wanted to work in a healthcare setting. I undertook visits to different departments to see what different professionals did. I thought that radiotherapy would be the ideal option for me as I wanted to work closely with patients yet still have a large element of technical expertise within my work - this job combines the two very well.

After my visit to the department, I applied to Sheffield Hallam University for a place on the PgD course as I had already done a health-related degree. I undertook my clinical placements within the department in which I am now working. The skills I learnt during my study were technical skills in order for me to work the machinery safely when using radiation, clinical skills to accurately position patients for radiotherapy planning and treatment, and social skills and empathy when communicating with patients who have cancer. Academic skills were developed during the taught aspects of the course and included searching for literature, academic writing style, research skills and literature analysis.

In my current role I work in the pre-treatment area of radiotherapy, which involves speaking to patients on their first visit to the department when they are often nervous, explaining the planning process to them and answering any queries they have. I use a CT scanner or radiotherapy simulator to gather the images required to plan treatment. I also undertake some of the planning for simple treatments for symptom relief and also for curative treatments, which involves taking measurements and doing calculations.

I have undertaken further study since qualifying as a radiographer, so have been able to extend my role. I now administer X-ray dye during planning CT scans and can also plan breast radiotherapy treatment instead of the consultant doing so. I plan to complete my Masters degree next year.

I thoroughly enjoy my job as it combines a caring role when communicating with patients and relatives with a highly technical role when operating the machinery and using computer programs to plan radiotherapy treatment accurately. I work as part of a team, as all planning and treatment procedures within radiotherapy require two radiographers, and we all work extremely well together.

It is sometimes emotionally difficult when working with patients who are suffering with cancer and are in pain; however we aim to help improve the pain and can offer emotional support to the patient and their family.

If you are interested in becoming a radiographer, sciences and maths are essential subjects and I would recommend a visit to a department to see what goes on.