In this section
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Level 1 Education - Pre-Employment
Level 1 is considered a entry-level where an individual is expected to develop basic skills and knowledge in health and social care. Building the ability to provide safeguardning and patient-centered care.
Qualifications required at this level:
- GCSES or Technical Levels
- Care certificate
- Work/voluntary experience or complete training within health or social care
Role qualified for once complete: imaging support worker or radiography assistant
Level 2 education - Imaging support worker / Radiography Assistant
Level 2 builds upon the qualifications gained at level 1 by typically carrying out a role within the imaging department as a Support Worker or Assistant. If not carried out already, Level two should do the following:
- Care certificate
- Level 2 to 3 qualification such as the Healthcare Science T-Level or equivalent which will provide you skills, knowledge and experience in the role.
Role qualified for once complete: imaging support worker or radiography assistant with opportunity to become Senior.
Level 3 education - Senior support worker / Senior radiography Assistant
Level 3 continues the journey of developing on core skills and knowledge gained at 1 & 2. At level 3 you should have your GCSEs, A-Levels or equivalent, blended with on the job experience within a role whether this is via placement or Volunteer.
In order to be qualified, individuals will need a level 3 qualification which can be earned by partaking on a course or an apprenticeship such as Diagnostic Imaging Support apprenticeship provided by Dynamic Training.
- Level 3 qualification which can be gained by accredited institutions such as the examples listed below.
- People who are qualified in other areas of the workforce can join at this level providing they have equivalent qualifications and experience.
Individuals can then progress into pre-registration courses in order to prepare themselves to delve into further their education and potentially delve into a specific pathway of their choice. The College of Radiographers has a list of accredited pre-registration courses available.
Role available after qualifications gained: progress into an Assistant Practitioner or Mammography.
Level 4 education - Mammography
This level of education typically involves the individual taking part on an apprenticeship, which is a level 4 qualification equivalent to a higher national certificate (HNC). Such as the Mammography associate (level 4).
Apprentceships tend to last 12 months but can vary.
Role available after qualifications gained: Mammographer or with further learning, Advanced Practitioner or Radiographer.
Level 5 education - Assistant Practitioner
This level is where a student will aim to gain a level 5 qualification such as a foundation degree or enrol themselves on a level 5 apprenticeship programcombining practical trainin with academic study.
Students at this level additionally enrol onto pre-registration course which the College of Radiographers have a directory of approved programmes available. These courses lead to professional qualification and eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. All programmes are at BSc (Hons) level unless otherwise stated.
Please note: Level 5 qualifications do not directly lead to HCPC registration as a Diagnostic Radiographer. For that, a degree (Level 6) is typically required.
Role available after qualifications gained: Progression into a qualified radiographer.