Radiographer

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:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• NHS Learning Support Fund|https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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 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.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

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 .

As a diagnostic radiographer, you could:

• interpret images of the body to diagnose injury and disease
• screen for abnormalities
• take part in surgical procedures like biopsies

As a therapeutic radiographer, you could:

• work closely with medical specialists to plan treatments
• use x-rays and other radioactive treatments
• assess and monitor patients through treatment and follow-up appointments

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a hospice.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.