Imaging (non-ionising)
Non-ionising imaging is an area of healthcare science that includes ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging.
As a clinical scientist in this area, you’ll develop new procedures, provide safety advice, perform quality assurance activities, teach and train, develop image analysis and reconstruction software, and also undertake more general research and development activities.

Overview
You will typically be based within either a radiology or medical physics department of a hospital.
Non-ionising imaging techniques are generally safe which is especially reassuring when imaging sensitive patient groups, such as children.
The non-ionising imaging theme also encompasses some treatment modalities which are supported by clinical scientists, including ultra violet treatments for skin conditions and laser surgery. You’ll play an important role in ensuring these treatments are delivered safely, help to develop ways of improving them or introduce new treatments.
Working life
If you work in non-ionising imaging, you’ll use a range of imaging techniques, including:
- ultrasound - uses high frequency soundwaves that can produce real-time images of tissues and organs within the body. Ultrasound is commonly used to monitor fetal development and to assess and screen patients who present with a variety of clinical indications including suspected blood flow problems, gall stones and tumours
- MRI - uses a combination of strong magnetic fields and radiowaves. MRI is renowned for its ability to differentiate soft tissues. It can be used to examine almost any part of the body and is the modality of choice for imaging the central nervous system. MRI has the ability to characterise normal and abnormal tissue and can be used to produce a wide variety of different contrasts which may reflect blood flow, cellular density, tissue stiffness through to changes in blood oxygenation, which has been extensively used to understand brain function
- optical imaging - involves measuring the physical properties of light to help make a diagnosis. For example, when shining particular wavelengths of light onto cancerous tissues, they may exhibit different absorption, light scattering or fluorescence behaviours to normal skin. This is an area which is continuing to move from the laboratory into the clinic. Optical systems are currently being evaluated to assess brain function and breast cancer. There are also a number of dedicated optical systems which are used to evaluate eye disease
Who will I work with?
You will be part of a team that includes radiologists, diagnostic radiographers and sonographers.
Want to learn more?
- Find out more about the entry requirements, skills and interests required to enter a career in non-ionising imaging
- Find out more about the training you’ll receive for a career in non-ionising imaging