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Radiographer

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Radiographers are healthcare professionals who use various types of medical imaging to help diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They operate equipment such as X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound machines to produce images of the inside of the body. Radiographers work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the correct diagnosis and care. Their work is vital for detecting conditions like fractures, tumours, and diseases. Radiographers must follow strict safety procedures to protect themselves and their patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation. This career involves a mix of technical skill, patient interaction, and teamwork. Radiographers can work in hospitals, clinics, or community healthcare settings, and often have opportunities to specialise or move into areas like research, teaching, or management.

Radiographer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Radiographers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £43,000 per year. Advanced or specialist radiographers can earn up to £50,000 or more.

Job Availability

There are over 24,000 registered radiographers in the UK, with ongoing demand in both NHS and private healthcare settings.

Training Requirements

To become a radiographer, you usually need a degree in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

🚀 Careers in this path

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MRI Radiographer

A specialist who operates magnetic resonance imaging scanners to create detailed images of patients' organs and tissues for diagnosis.

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CT Radiographer

A professional who uses computed tomography (CT) scanners to produce cross-sectional images of the body to help diagnose medical conditions.

Mammography Radiographer

A healthcare worker who specialises in performing mammograms, which are specialised X-ray examinations used to detect breast cancer.

Achieve the Right Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A-levels (or equivalent)

Focus on science subjects, especially biology, physics, and maths at GCSE and A-level (or equivalent qualifications such as BTECs).

To become a radiographer, you will need at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English, maths, and science. For A-levels, universities usually expect biology and/or physics, and sometimes maths, to be included. BTEC Level 3 qualifications in health and social care or applied science are also commonly accepted.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

Apply for an approved degree in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography at university.

Radiography degrees are typically three years long and combine academic study with clinical placements in hospitals. Approved courses can be found on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) website. Entry is competitive, so work experience in a healthcare setting can help strengthen your application.

Register and Gain Experience

Register with the HCPC

After graduating, register with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as a radiographer.

Registration with the HCPC is mandatory to work as a radiographer in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of your qualification and may need to complete a character reference and health check. Once registered, you can use the protected title of 'Radiographer'.

Start Work as a Radiographer

Apply for entry-level radiographer roles in NHS hospitals or private healthcare settings.

Most new radiographers begin their careers in the NHS, where you can gain valuable experience and access further training. You will work as part of a team, often rotating through different imaging departments to build your skills.

Develop Your Career

Specialise or Advance

Pursue additional training to specialise in areas such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, or move into management or teaching roles.

With experience, you can become a senior radiographer, specialise in a particular imaging technique, or move into advanced practice roles such as reporting radiographer. You could also train to become a lecturer, clinical educator, or move into management. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to maintain your HCPC registration and career progression.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Radiographer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You'll need to do a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council to become a radiographer.

Your choice of degree course will depend on whether you want to work in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography.

You may be able to take a fast-track postgraduate qualification over 2 years if you're a health professional or have a relevant degree.

Extra student financial support may be available through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

You can also train as a radiographer in the armed forces. Find out more at:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiographer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of 36 months and is a mix of learning in the workplace and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You can start as a radiography assistant and work your way up to assistant practitioner. With the support of your employer you may then be able to work and study part-time for a radiography degree and professional qualification.

Volunteering

Volunteering in a hospital may give you the chance to speak with radiography staff to help you decide whether you want to train as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer.

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Registration

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for jobs and training.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in radiography from Health Careers and The College of Radiographers.

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