Diagnostic radiographer
Diagnostic radiographers use x-rays, ultrasound and other forms of imaging technology to examine patients. They are responsible for interpreting the images and diagnosing illnesses and injuries.
They may contribute towards establishing treatment plans and can also be involved in intervention procedures, e.g. the removal of kidney stones.
They have a patient care role and work in a variety of hospital departments, including theatre, accident and emergency and on wards. The amount of time and type of contact they have with patients depends on the specialist area they work in.
Some of the imaging technologies that a diagnostic radiographer may use include:
Tasks typically involve:
To become registered, diagnostic radiographers must successfully complete a diagnostic radiography degree approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the Society of Radiographers . Courses generally take three years; entry criteria can be checked on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.
All training courses comprise 50% academic work and 50% practical placements. Most universities arrange placements in several hospitals over the duration of the course. There are also a number of part-time degree programmes. See The Radiography Education and Training Directory of Courses for a full list of courses.
Most course providers prefer applicants to hold at least one science-based A-level or equivalent. Some may specify biology or physics.
Previous work experience within a radiography department, or work-shadowing of a qualified diagnostic radiographer, is often necessary for application as universities frequently expect a visit report as part of the entry criteria.
You should contact individual course centres to check the acceptability of A-level subjects and the requirement for pre-entry experience.
There are a number of in-service or foundation degrees for assistant practitioners or radiography assistants who wish to qualify as radiographers. These require you to be working within a suitable post in an NHS Trust. See The Radiography Education and Training Directory of Courses for a list of courses.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
It is advisable to apply early; applications for full-time degree courses are made via Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) ; applications for part-time courses and the postgraduate course are made directly to the institutions.
All applicants will be subject to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. Health screening is also required.
Student diagnostic radiographers normally receive funding from NHS Student Bursaries or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to cover tuition fees and a means-tested bursary to help with living costs.
Students in Northern Ireland should apply to their local education authority for a mandatory award.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Diagnostic radiographers are required to show a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) and performance appraisal programmes in order to maintain their professional standards of competence and to deliver high-quality services.
For diagnostic radiographers with at least 18 to 24 months of work experience, there are opportunities to progress into specialist areas such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), specialist screening procedures, e.g. barium swallows, cardiac work and nuclear medicine.
It is also possible to train in 'reporting'. This involves interpreting the results of various imaging procedures. Opportunities are dependent on the size and specialist areas of individual hospitals. Training for these specialist posts is on the job or may require short courses or possibly postgraduate-level study via either part-time or distance learning routes. This training is often funded by National Health Service (NHS) trusts.
The Society of Radiographers is the professional body and runs a range of courses, seminars and conferences. A growing number of diagnostic radiographers are now embarking on PhD and MSc courses via part-time or distance learning routes. For a list of these courses see The Radiography Education and Training Directory of Courses .
Undertaking relevant training enhances future career prospects in management and could have implications for salary grading.
Diagnostic radiographers can work their way up to senior or advanced practitioner then on to lead or superintendent roles, involving management of a modality, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is then possible to move into more senior management posts. There is no automatic progression up the hierarchy; employees have to apply for new posts to advance.
Diagnostic radiographers must register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and are required to renew this on a two-year cycle, which entails recording continuing professional development (CPD) activities in a portfolio. CPD plays an important part in career progression.
It is possible to become a consultant radiographer and advance into more senior levels of management while retaining high levels of clinical practice. However, at present, there are only a limited number of these posts.
Opportunities also exist to develop a career abroad; UK radiography qualifications are recognised and respected worldwide.
The National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS Careers ) employs approximately 90% of diagnostic radiographers.
Outside the NHS, there are opportunities in private healthcare. Leading employers in this field are BMI Healthcare , BUPA and Nuffield Health .
Other possible employment routes exist with manufacturers and distributors of medical imaging equipment, as applications specialists (training people to use the specialist equipment) or as sales reps. It is possible to move into research posts in industry or to become a university lecturer. Opportunities also exist in veterinary practice, customs and excise, prisons and the armed forces.
There are opportunities to work abroad in a variety of countries, particularly Australia, New Zealand and Canada where approved UK diagnostic radiography courses are recognised and registration to practise is relatively easy.
Recruitment agencies also deal with vacancies for newly qualified and experienced diagnostic radiographers. Specialist agencies include:
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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