How to become a radiographer?

What qualifications do I need?
"The best radiography students have a balance between a good understanding of the sciences and a genuinely caring attitude," says Louise Harding, Clinical Tutor at Warrington Hospital.

"Above average science skills are important because a significant part of the degree course involves anatomy, physiology and pathology."

"Ideally, you should have an interest in science, have good GCSE grades and at least one science A–level with a total of 3 A–levels at grade C but this will vary between universities. Maths skills can also be helpful but students shouldn’t be put off by the science element as this is just a small part of a radiographer\'s role."

Hands-on experience
A significant part of a three year BSc degree in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography is spent working in diagnostic radiography or radiotherapy departments. There is time spent in the classroom of course, but it is important to introduce the student into the ‘real world’ as quickly as possible.

Some universities prefer students to be placed in a handful of hospitals, giving them time to get to know the department and how they work. Others take the view that ‘variety is the spice of life’ and it is not unusual for a student to have as many as nine placements over the duration of the course. They range from busy urban hospitals to smaller community hospitals. This approach also provides students with the opportunity to sample specialist disciplines such as paediatric radiography.

Lucy Smith, who qualified last year, warns that if a student is looking for an easy option, radiography is not it.

"You have to work hard consistently. Students on other courses only have to attend classes for eight hours a week. If you’re studying radiography, it\'s eight hours a day, every day," she says.

"Like all students, we loved to party but if you have patients to see the next morning, you can’t be out too late."

Everyone knows how expensive it is to be a student these days, but radiography students pay no tuition fees and they may qualify for an NHS bursary.

The money

A newly qualified radiographer does not earn big bucks, particularly when compared with the potential earnings of some other graduates starting pay is £19,166, while in London and parts of the south of England, there are cost of living supplements that can push pay slightly higher but Lucy Smith has no doubt that the job has other compensations.

"Radiography is a growing profession and job security is second to none. The number of radiographers that the National Health Service needs is steadily increasing."

How does she feel about working for the NHS?
"Don’t believe everything you read. The National Health Service has its problems but I know that the professionals who work in it are providing an unrivalled standard of care," Lucy says.

Career progression
Promotion opportunities are excellent with a grading structure that sees the individual’s salary increase as they move up the profession. There are also management opportunities. This year has seen the introduction of the first Consultant Radiographer posts with payscales in the range of up to £38,000.

Radiographers now have the opportunity to become consultant practitioners, allowing them to reach a more senior level of management, whilst retaining a high level of clinical practice and working with patients. There also are opportunities to move into teaching or research.

Once you’ve qualified, there is a wide choice of job opportunities. A radiography degree is a recognised vocational qualification. UK Radiographers are recognised as being amongst the best in the world and many foreign countries actively recruit from the UK.

Click to download a list of university degree courses. PDF

NHS Careers publishes a fact sheet, ‘What is a Radiographer?’ Copies are available from:

NHS Careers
PO Box 376
Bristol BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 6060655.

Email: advice@nhscareers.nhs.uk
or go to www.nhscareers.nhs.uk