Diagnostic radiographer

As a diagnostic radiographer, you’ll use cutting-edge technology to take images of the insides of patients to help understand and diagnose conditions. 

Based in a hospital, you’ll work with patients and colleagues to design treatment programmes and support patients throughout their treatment. From using a CT scanner to make a 3D image for a surgeon, to preparing a patient for an MRI scan – you’ll be using some of the most complex and advanced technology. 

Diagnostic radiographers are also an important part of the multi-disciplinary team, working with other healthcare professionals across various departments.

Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours and may include a mix of shifts, such as nights, early starts, evenings, and weekends. If you work in the NHS, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 5.

You will be able to claim £2,000 a year towards childcare costs through the NHS Learning Support Fund, and there’s funding available for adult dependants and some placement travel costs too. If you have a disability, there are grants to help with essential costs while studying via the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

If working on the NHS you will have access to one of the best pension schemes in the UK, as well as access to exclusive health service discounts and benefits at some of the most popular brands.

You’ll receive an annual personal development review to ensure you’re making the most of every opportunity offered. And with continuous professional development, you can add to your skills and progress to specialist roles with a higher pay grade. 

You’ll be encouraged to join the Society of Radiography where you can take courses, conferences, and seminars.  

As your career progresses, you could specialise in a particular type of imaging, such as computerised tomography scanning or sonography. Or you could specialise in working with children, stroke patients or cancer patients, for example. Research or teaching are other options.

Working for the NHS, you may also find yourself heading your own radiography team, managing budgets, staff, and equipment.

To become a diagnostic radiographer, you must first successfully complete an approved degree or master's in radiotherapy. Degree courses take three or four years full-time, or up to six years part-time. There are also some postgraduate programmes that can take two years. 

Once you’ve completed your degree, you need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can start practising. 

Entry requirements for an undergraduate degree include: 

• two or three A levels, including physics, chemistry or biology/human biology
• five GCSEs (grades A – C), including English language, maths, and science

Or the equivalent qualifications:

• a BTEC, HND or HNC, including science
• a relevant NVQ
• a science-based access course
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

A degree apprenticeship is another way to become a diagnostic radiographer. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification. 

To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need to apply for an apprentice position with a health care provider. You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website and Find an Apprenticeship website.

Once you’ve successfully completed a programme approved by the HCPC, you are then eligible to apply for registration with them. Once registered as a practitioner, you’ll be required to retain your name on the register by keeping your knowledge and skills up-to-date and paying an annual retention fee.

Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees, so apprenticeships aren’t eligible for student grants.