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Radiographer

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Radiographers are vital members of the healthcare team who use various types of medical imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat patients. They work mainly in hospitals, especially in the NHS, and use technologies such as X-rays, MRI scanners, CT scanners, and ultrasound. Their role involves preparing patients for imaging procedures, operating the imaging equipment, and ensuring high-quality images are produced for doctors to interpret. Radiographers must have excellent communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a strong understanding of anatomy and technology. Most radiographers work shifts, including some evenings and weekends. Training to become a radiographer usually involves completing a degree in diagnostic radiography, which includes both academic study and clinical placements.

Radiographer

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Newly qualified radiographers in the NHS typically earn between £28,407 and £34,581 per year (Band 5, Agenda for Change pay scales as of 2024).

Number of Positions

There are approximately 33,000 diagnostic radiographers registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.

Job Growth

The demand for radiographers is expected to grow by around 7 percent over the next five years, due to advances in medical imaging and an ageing population.

🚀 Careers in this path

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MRI Radiographer

A specialist who operates MRI scanners to produce detailed images of the inside of the body, working closely with doctors to diagnose medical conditions.

Paediatric Radiographer

A radiographer who works specifically with children, using imaging technology to help diagnose illnesses and injuries in young patients.

Interventional Radiographer

A radiographer who assists in minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance, such as treating blocked blood vessels or taking biopsies.

Achieve Required Qualifications

Gain GCSEs and A-Levels (or equivalent)

Obtain at least five GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science, followed by relevant A-levels such as Biology, Physics, or Chemistry.

Good GCSEs are essential for progressing to further study. Science subjects are especially important for a radiography career, as you will need a strong understanding of biology and physics. A-levels or equivalent qualifications, such as BTECs in health or science, are usually required by universities offering radiography degrees.

Complete a Degree in Diagnostic Radiography

Apply for and complete an approved undergraduate degree in diagnostic radiography, usually lasting three years.

You must study at a university that offers a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approved diagnostic radiography course. These courses combine academic study with practical placements in hospitals, giving you the skills and experience needed for the job. Entry requirements vary but generally include good A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Register and Gain Experience

Register with the HCPC

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

Registration with the HCPC is a legal requirement for practising radiographers in the UK. The process involves submitting proof of your qualifications and fitness to practise. Once registered, you can legally work as a radiographer in NHS or private healthcare settings.

Apply for Entry-Level Radiographer Roles

Seek employment as a newly qualified radiographer in hospitals or clinics.

Look for radiographer vacancies through NHS Jobs or private healthcare providers. Entry-level roles will provide you with valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to develop your skills in different imaging techniques. You may work in areas such as general X-ray, CT, or MRI.

Develop and Specialise

Pursue Continuing Professional Development

Engage in on-the-job learning and additional training to keep your skills updated.

Radiographers are expected to participate in continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain their HCPC registration and stay up to date with new technologies and techniques. This could involve attending courses, workshops, or conferences, and learning from experienced colleagues.

Consider Specialising

Explore further training to specialise in advanced imaging techniques or move into areas such as ultrasound, MRI, or mammography.

With experience, you can specialise in a particular imaging technique or area of healthcare, such as paediatrics or oncology. You may also progress to senior radiographer, management, teaching, or research roles. Additional qualifications or training may be required for some specialities.

🎯 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.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

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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