Diagnostic radiographers use a range of techniques to produce high quality images to diagnose an injury or disease. They are responsible for providing safe and accurate imaging and often the resulting report. Radiographers are also key team members in breast screening and ultrasound monitoring in pregnancy care.
Therapeutic radiographers play a vital role in the treatment of cancer. They are the only health professionals qualified to plan and deliver radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is used either on its own or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
Diagnostic Radiographer: Career Casenotes
Check out all the vitals when it comes to a career as a Diagnostic Radiographer
STUDENT EXPERIENCE: Stuart, YEAR 2 Therapeutic Radiography
“I had an A-Level in Maths. Having a science A-level isn’t essential as I didn’t have one. I had GCSE equivalents in Physics, English and Maths. However, I would recommend that you have at least a good pass in GCSE Biology, and preferably an A-Level in Biology. That is simply because I found that there’s a lot of anatomy to learn in the first year of my course. I found that I knew a lot less than the other students who had studied Biology.”
"I chose to study radiography after my parents spent a good deal of time in hospital. I was impressed by the impact an auxiliary in my dad’s ward had, who was feeding the patients in a very caring way. It inspired me to apply for an auxiliary post at my local hospital. It just happened to be in the Radiotherapy department. A UWE student, who was doing her placement there, encouraged me to apply for the course. She said my patient care was really good and I had the qualities needed to make a good Therapeutic Radiographer. It is rewarding to work with people with cancer, as they are mostly very grateful for the help and treatment you and your colleagues are giving them. “
“On placement in a hospital you will be expected to be running errands, stocking up protective equipment, collecting medicines for patients from the pharmacy and being generally helpful to the team. It is a really busy time, as you can be expected to achieve a number of clinical objectives within a short space of time.”
“You will be supervised by qualified radiographers so that you never have to treat a patient on your own.”
“If [like me] you decide to study in Bristol, there are a small number of places available for students to work in Bristol hospitals, so you shouldn’t expect to be in Bristol for the whole of your course. Many students work in hospitals in Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Somerset or Gloucestershire and stay in rented accommodation.”
“Contact your nearest hospital that has a radiotherapy department. Explain that you’re interested in studying radiotherapy and ask if they will allow you to work-shadow a radiographer for a week. You won’t be allowed to be involved with patients, but you might get to see some aspects of how therapeutic radiographers work."
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