ºüÀêÊÓƵ

CONTENTS

1. Routes to becoming a diagnostic radiographer

2. Skills you’ll need

3. Finding work experience

4. How to get a job as a diagnostic radiographer

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

Routes to becoming a diagnostic radiographer

Diagnostic radiographers are integral to medical diagnosis. They use medical imaging techniques, via radiation, to investigate what’s going on inside the human body and decide how to treat illnesses. Diagnostic radiographers regularly collaborate with other medical experts to develop treatment plans.

You’ll need to complete an approved Diagnostic Radiography course to become a diagnostic radiographer. Upon completion, you can register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to begin practicing. Ensure the course you choose is HCPC-approved.

A Diagnostic Radiography course 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’s an ever-evolving field.

Undergraduate degrees

Undergraduate degrees include bachelor’s, such as Diagnostic Radiography BSc or Medical Imaging BSc, and those with an integrated foundation year. Bachelor’s degrees typically take three years to complete, while those with an integrated foundation year take four years. Both will take longer if you study part-time. Courses tend to mix lectures and theoretical learning with hands-on lab work.

Through the NHS Learning Support Fund, you’ll have available an NHS bursary to put towards your tuition fees. You’ll receive £5,000 per year that you won’t have to pay back. You can also access an extra £1,000, due to the government having identified Diagnostic Radiography as a subject needing to recruit.

Find out more about entry requirements and how you’ll be assessed on our Radiography subject guide, along with the different jobs you can move into and what graduates typically earn.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships in Diagnostic Radiography are 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.

and are where you can explore available degree apprenticeships. Entry requirements are decided by the employer and university.

You won’t be eligible for any tuition fee loans or grants towards your degree apprenticeship, as it’s entirely funded by your employer.

Postgraduate degrees

Master’s and postgraduate certificates are available in Diagnostic Radiography. This gives you the chance to specialise, opening up further graduate opportunities. Courses often take one year, or two years if you’re studying part-time.

Graduate-entry pre-registration courses are also available for those with a first degree who wish to move into Diagnostic Radiography. You often need a science or health-related degree, with work experience being a benefit.

Skills you’ll need

Successful diagnostic radiographers tend 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
• 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. This 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.

To get work experience or volunteer your time, try the following:

• Offer to help with any
• 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 diagnostic radiographer

You’ll usually need an undergraduate or master’s degree in Diagnostic Radiography. After graduating, you must register with the HCPC to begin practising. This can take up to 10 working days to process and has a registration fee of £49.06.

 or  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. Daily tasks could include:

• Performing a range of radiographic examinations
• Using complex technology
• Producing and interpreting images to diagnose and treat patients
• Helping with more complicated examinations 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 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. Salaries for diagnostic radiographers are on the Agenda for Change system (the NHS staff grading and pay scale), usually on band 5. The NHS 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.