How to become a diagnostic radiographer

CONTENTS

1. What is radiography?

2. Routes to becoming a diagnostic radiographer

3. Skills you’ll need

4. Finding work experience

5. How to get a job as a radiographer

6. What it's like to be a diagnostic radiographer

What is radiography?

Radiography uses medical imaging technology to investigate what’s going on inside the human body. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating medical conditions, and its applications will expand as technology advances.

A radiographer is a healthcare professional who diagnoses or treats patients using medical imaging equipment. They fit into two main groups:

• Diagnostic radiographers take X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to help doctors spot injuries and diseases.
• Therapeutic radiographers provide radiation therapy to cancer patients.

A career as a radiographer blends technology and patient care. It requires good communication skills and a solid grasp of science, particularly in physics and biology.

This career guide tells you how to become a radiographer working in diagnostic radiography. We also have a career guide on how to become a therapeutic radiographer.

Radiographer vs radiologist

A radiographer is not the same as a radiologist. A radiologist is a doctor who specialises in analysing scans to diagnose diseases and injuries. They may also use medical imaging equipment to guide surgical procedures or in cancer treatment. If you want to become a radiologist, first you'll need to find out how to become a doctor.

Routes to becoming a diagnostic radiographer

To become a radiographer in this field, you will need to complete an approved diagnostic radiography course. On completion, you can register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to begin practising. Ensure the course you choose is HCPC-approved.

Diagnostic radiography degrees will teach you how to:

• Use images to inform diagnoses.
• Establish treatment plans for recovery.
• Work across different medical departments.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate diagnostic radiography degrees are available. Most degrees are practical-based and informed by the latest research in what is an ever-evolving field.

Undergraduate radiography degrees

Undergraduate courses include bachelor’s degrees such as Diagnostic Radiography BSc or Medical Imaging BSc, which may have an integrated foundation year. Bachelor’s degrees typically take three years to complete, while those with an integrated foundation year take four years. Courses will mix lectures and theoretical learning with hands-on lab work.

If you are at a university in England, you may get funding from the NHS Learning Support Fund. As well as a £5,000 grant (which you won’t have to pay back), you may be eligible for an extra £1,000 for studying radiography. Find out more about NHS funded courses.

Radiography entry requirements

Universities will usually ask for at least one A Level (or equivalent) in a science such as biology, chemistry or physics. You’ll need between 112–128 UCAS points to enter Year 1 of a bachelor’s degree. Degrees with a foundation year will have lower entry requirements.

Our radiography subject guide looks at what it’s like to study radiography, how you’ll be assessed, and what graduates typically earn.

Degree apprenticeships

Radiographer degree apprenticeships are also available. They allow you to work and earn while you study part-time towards a bachelor’s degree. You can apply for a degree apprenticeship through an employer, who will then work with the university to coordinate your degree.

You can explore the available apprenticeships on the NHS Jobs or Find an apprenticeship websites. Entry requirements are decided by the employer and university.

You won’t be eligible for any tuition fee loans or the NHS Learning Support Fund, as your studies will be paid for by your employer.

Postgraduate degrees

You can also study for a Master's in Radiography to become a radiographer. A pre-registration course allows graduates who took a related subject to move into diagnostic radiography. You often need a science or health-related degree, with work experience being a benefit.

Courses often take one year, or two years if you’re studying part time.

Skills you’ll need

Successful radiographers will need to have these skills:

• Eagerness to explore and use emerging technologies.
• Clear and confident communication.
• Attention to detail.
• Think on their feet and work dynamically.
• Time management and organisation.
• Ability to break down complex information into simple terms.

Finding work experience

Work experience isn’t essential when applying for an undergraduate degree but is strongly encouraged. It shows admissions tutors your enthusiasm for the subject and eagerness to learn. Graduate roles will require work experience, which you should get during your undergraduate degree.

How to find work experience in radiography

Whether it’s paid work or volunteering your time, try the following:

• Offer to help with any local NHS Trusts.
• Shadow a diagnostic radiographer at a nearby hospital, imaging or radiography department.
• Sit down and chat with a diagnostic radiographer about their experience.
• Work in a care home or retirement village.
• Help in a local school or daycare centre.
• Volunteer with charities such as St John Ambulance.

Any work, whether public, private, paid or voluntary, will be valued.

How to get a job as a radiographer

You’ll need an undergraduate or master’s degree in diagnostic radiography, or to have completed a radiographer degree apprenticeship. After graduating, you must register with the HCPC to begin practising.

Radiographer job prospects are good, as diagnostic radiography is now an essential part of diagnosing illnesses and injuries. NHS Jobs or NHS Scotland Jobs are where you can start searching for vacant roles. You’ll only be considered once your HCPC registration’s been approved.

You may also wish to become accredited by the College of Radiographers (CoR). Accreditation can open further job opportunities.

What it's like to be a diagnostic radiographer

You could be working with the NHS, at a private hospital or with a hospice. This could be in operating theatres, emergency departments, wards and mobile units.

Radiographer roles and responsibilities could include:

• Performing a range of radiographic examinations.
• Using complex technology.
• Producing and interpreting images to diagnose and treat patients.
• Helping with more complicated procedures, such as surgery.
• Working with colleagues, such as doctors, to develop treatment plans.
• Making sure images, equipment and records are held to a high standard.
• Making sure that staff and patients are safe from harmful radiation.
• Supporting and reassuring patients.

After qualifying, you’ll have Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where you discuss your career and future goals. You can become a member of organisations such as the Society of Radiographers (SoR), where you can take courses, network and attend events.

A working week is typically 37.5 hours, and you may have to work evenings and weekends.

Radiographer salary

Radiographer salary expectations are in line with the NHS Agenda for Change system, which grades staff in terms of pay scales. Once qualified, you’ll start on Band 5, but managerial experience could take you up to Band 8b. The NHS also provides generous pension schemes, holiday allowances, and health service discounts.

Is a role as a diagnostic radiographer right for you?

Working as a diagnostic radiographer can be challenging, but it's also a very rewarding role. You’ll be using the latest medical technology to diagnose patients and decide how to best treat them. You’ll have a meaningful hand in their recovery and ensure their wellbeing is prioritised.

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