Therapeutic radiographer : Job description

Therapeutic radiographers (also known as radiotherapy radiographers or therapy radiographers, although the protected title with the Health Professions Council (HPC)  is therapeutic radiographer) work as part of an oncology team, specialising in the planning and administration of radiotherapy treatment for patients, most of whom have cancer. Some cancers are best treated with drugs, some with surgery and others respond well to precisely targeted doses of radiation, and often these treatments are combined to improve their effect.

Using a wide range of technical equipment, the radiographer delivers accurate doses of radiation to the tumour to destroy the diseased tissue, while minimising the amount of radiation to surrounding healthy tissue.

The work involves planning and delivering a course of treatment for a cancer patient, from the initial referral through to providing post-treatment follow-up care.

Typical work activities

Therapeutic radiographers have regular contact with patients over the course of their treatment. They deal with patients of all ages and have an important role in helping patients to cope with the daily physical and psychological demands of having radiotherapy.

Typical work activities are likely to include the following:

• planning a course of treatment with clinical oncologists and physicists, which may be complex and requires high levels of accuracy and care;
• calculating the radiation dosage and mapping the area to be treated, while minimising the dose given to normal tissue;
• seeking patient cooperation and trust and showing sensitivity;
• developing a relationship with the patient and the patient’s family;
• explaining the treatment and the processes used;
• explaining the management of any possible radiotherapy side effects;
• administering radiation treatment accurately and safely;
• operating technical equipment responsibly and confidently;
• observing and assessing patients' responses to treatment, often on a daily basis;
• carrying out post-treatment reviews and follow-up consultations;
• keeping accurate records;
• producing reports as and when required;
• attending meetings and patient reviews;
• keeping up to date by attending all relevant training on treatment and equipment;
• supervising and monitoring the work of radiography assistants and student radiographers;
• liaising closely with a range of staff, who may include medical staff, consultants, registrars, trainee doctors, nurses, medical physicists, engineers, and a range of other allied health professionals such as dieticians, physiotherapists speech therapists and occupational therapists.