About radiography

Radiographers are essential for delivering a fast and accurate diagnosis of trauma and/or  disease, and for the treatment and care for patients with cancer:

• Diagnostic radiographers are responsible for acquiring the images for diagnosis. They take the lead responsibility for the management and care of patients undergoing the whole range of imaging examinations, eg, x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT). Often this also includes the associated image interpretation. 
• Therapeutic radiographers take the lead responsibility for the management and care of patients undergoing radiotherapy before, during and immediately after radiotherapy treatment. Working as part of the multidisciplinary cancer team, therapeutic radiographers support patients and their families through the entire cancer journey.

The sectors in which they work are mainly within The National Health Service (NHS), but also within independent and private health care services; higher education; research establishments and other fields, for example, armed forces, prisons, customs and excise, industry and commerce and veterinary practices.

Both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers may work as clinicians, managers, researchers and educators.

Diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers are engaged in research and development to continue to build the knowledge necessary for evidenced based practice.

They are also responsible for educating, training and mentoring radiographers and others so that patients receive the highest quality and standard of radiography.

Managing complex and rapidly changing imaging and radiotherapy services requires the highest level of managerial skills, as well as excellent radiographic skills: radiographers are essential to the provision of strong and innovative leadership and management of these services.

The profession also needs innovators and role models to take the profession forward. These radiographers will be drawn from across the occupational roles, particularly from those in advanced and consultant positions and the profession’s leading managers, educators and researchers.