Radiography
If you go to hospital, the chances are that one of the first people you will see is a radiographer. There are two sorts of radiographer: diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic radiographers produce high-quality images to diagnose an injury or disease. They use a range of techniques including X-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. Diagnostic radiographers see patients with an enormous range of different injuries and conditions including accident and emergency work, which is often the result of road accidents. They will also see elderly people with fractures and people from outpatient clinics, including those who are having investigations for digestive or urinary tract problems.
A therapeutic radiographer is part of an oncology team that treats patients who have cancer. Using ionising radiation, the radiographer delivers doses of radiation to the tumour, whilst minimising the amount of exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. A radiographer is involved in every aspect of the treatment, including pre-treatment preparation, planning, the treatment itself and the follow-up stages.
New developments
There are plenty of new areas opening up, offering you the chance to extend your role or further specialise. For example, some radiographers are qualified to carry out treatment reviews on behalf of the consultants and can also prescribe drugs.
Skills required
Both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers need good interpersonal skills to communicate with other members of the team and to provide support for patients. Therapeutic radiographers in particular will get to know their patients because they will see them regularly through the course of treatment. It is important that they can develop a rapport with the individual and their family to support them throughout the treatment.
Starting out
During the degree course you will learn about anatomy, physiology and pathology, plus radiation physics. However, you shouldn’t be put off if science isn’t your strongest suit. There is plenty in the varied role of a radiographer to challenge and interest you. A significant part of a three-year BSc degree in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography is spent working in imaging or radiotherapy departments. There is time spent in the classroom of course, but it is important to introduce the student to the ‘real world’ of treating patients as quickly as possible.
A newly qualified radiographer will earn £19,000-plus a year, while in London and parts of the south of England there are cost of living supplements that can push pay closer to £20,000. Career prospects have improved considerably in recent years with the number of radiographers becoming advanced practitioners or consultants growing steadily in number. Advanced practitioners can earn £40,000–£50,000 depending on their job description and experience.
In brief
- Best bits
You never know who you’re going to meet and what situation you’ll be faced with.
The independence – you are in charge, setting your own pace and making your own decisions. - Worst bits
Managing your time can be hard. - Don’t bother if...
... you can’t balance a good understanding of the sciences and a genuinely caring attitude.
EMMA BROWN is a senior II diagnostic radiographer and has over ten years’ experience in her field. WINSTON MORGAN is a senior I therapeutic radiographer and has over 12 years’ experience in his field.
