Why should I want to be a radiographer?

Both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers provide essential services every year to millions of people. Radiography is the fulcrum around which the rest of medicine revolves.

For example, without detailed, high-quality images of what is happening inside the body, diagnosis would be significantly more difficult, treatments would not be as effective and valuable time may be lost. The skills of a diagnostic radiographer are used to identify a broad range of injuries and diseases, including cancer.

Radiotherapy for cancer has also become increasingly important with six out of 10 patients who receive treatment being cured. A therapy radiographer will target radiation at the site of the tumour, seeking to send the cancer into remission. The therapy radiographer is closely involved in the planning of the course of treatment as well as the delivery. S/he gets to know the patient, explains to them what is involved and answers any concerns. Day by day, they monitor progress and provide support.

Radiographers are responsible for equipment that would not be out of place in an episode of Star Trek. Departments in larger hospitals can have huge capital expenditure budgets. The top of the range machines cost more than a million pounds. Promotion opportunities are excellent with a grading structure that sees the radiographer's salary increase as s/he moves up the profession. British radiographers are recognised as being among the best in the world.

Work experience
To get a feel for what being a radiographer is really about, doing work experience in a radiography department is an excellent way.

Most welcome giving school leavers the opportunity to spend a few days shadowing a working radiographer.

One word of warning: Some NHS trusts have a policy of not allowing under-18s to do work experience, particularly in radiotherapy departments. Check with your local hospital, but be prepared to look further afield if necessary.