Radiographer
Also called Medical radiographer, diagnostic radiographer, therapeutic radiographer.
Radiographers take scans of patients to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.
- Potential salary
- £32,000 starter to £48,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 40. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota.
- Career area
- Science and laboratory work
- Where they might work
- You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a hospice. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.
- A typical task
- interpret images of the body to diagnose injury and disease
- Subjects that may help
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- Typical route
- You'll need to do a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council to become a radiographer.
- Interest area used here
- Health and laboratory science
What you might do
- interpret images of the body to diagnose injury and disease
- screen for abnormalities
- take part in surgical procedures like biopsies
- work closely with medical specialists to plan treatments
- use X-rays and other radioactive treatments
- assess and monitor patients through treatment and follow-up appointments
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- knowledge of medicine and medical procedures
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of biology
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- active listening skills
More skills
- concentration skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Routes into this career
University route
- You'll need to do a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council to become a radiographer.
- Your choice of degree course will depend on whether you want to work in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography.
- You may be able to take a fast-track postgraduate qualification over 2 years if you're a health professional or have a relevant degree.
- Extra student financial support may be available through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
- You can also train as a radiographer in the armed forces. Find out more at: Army; Royal Air Force; Royal Navy.
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Diagnostic radiography
Direct qualifying route. Choose the diagnostic or therapeutic degree to match the job. Both can lead to HCPC registration in that field.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You may be able to do a Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiographer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
- This takes 3 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with academic study.
- You can start as a radiography assistant and work your way up to assistant practitioner. With the support of your employer you may then be able to work and study part-time for a radiography degree and professional qualification.
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Other routes
- Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. It also gives you the opportunity to speak with radiography staff to help you decide whether to train as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer.
Career progression
- With experience, you could become a sonography specialist, radiography team leader or consultant practitioner.
- You could also take further qualifications to specialise in: counselling and palliative care; the use of certain techniques or equipment; working with specific groups of patients; research and teaching.
Registration and requirements
you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship