Radiographer

Diagnostic radiographers use the latest technology to look inside the body in different ways.

Working life

You’ll use a range of imaging technology and techniques to work out what disease or condition is causing a patient’s illness, including:

• x-ray to look through tissues to examine bones, cavities and foreign objects
• fluoroscopy to see a real time image of the digestive system
• CT (computed tomography) which provides views of cross-sections of the body
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to build a 2D or 3D map of the different tissue types within the body
• ultrasound to check circulation and examine the heart as well as in antenatal work
• angiography to investigate blood vessels

Entry Requirements

To practice as a radiographer, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to register with the HCPC, you first need to successfully complete an approved programme in diagnostic radiography. Degree courses take three or four years, full time or up to six years part time. A degree apprenticeship standard has been approved for delivery. There are also postgraduate programmes usually taking up to two years.