Radiography is one of the most innovative aspects of healthcare – you’ll use advanced technology to look inside patients’ bodies and understand the root causes of their illness, and consult with colleagues on diagnosis and treatment plans.
You need to study for an approved programme in diagnostic radiography. Degree courses take three or four years, full time or up to six years part time. A degree standard apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography has been approved for delivery. To get onto a diagnostic radiography degree course or degree apprenticeship, you usually need two or three A levels, including physics, chemistry or biology/human biology, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science. Alternative qualifications are likely to be accepted. If you already have a degree in a relevant subject, there is a 2-year graduate-entry route at some universities.
Radiographers in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may have to work shifts, including evenings, nights and weekends. They start at band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scale. Terms and conditions will vary outside of the NHS.
Diagnostic radiographers need to be safety conscious, interested in technology, be patient and understanding and able to understand and follow instructions exactly. They also need good communication, organisation and observation skills and the ability to reassure patients.
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. You could also move into management, within radiography services or general management. As head of a local radiography service you would be responsible for a team of staff and for managing a budget.
Related roles
Surveyor [6]
Surveyors make sure that buildings are safe and well-maintained so care can be delivered effectively.
Surveyors in the NHS have to be fully-qualified and chartered through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. To become a surveyor, you need either a degree in surveying, or a related subject, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or a degree in any subject followed by a Masters accredited by the RICS. To get onto a degree course, you need appropriate level 3 qualifications. For a Master's, you need a good honours degree. After university, to become fully qualified as a surveyor, you have to work under supervision for two or three years and pass an Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Most staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As a surveyor, your salary will depend on your precise role and level of responsibility. You're likely to start on AfC band 6. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at band 7 and above. Surveyors in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. They may have some evening meetings. Terms and conditions will be different for surveyors working outside of the NHS.
To work as a surveyor, you need to have an interest in buildings and property, be willing to travel, spend time working outdoors, work on several different projects at once, be able to meet deadlines work with contractors and others from the construction industry. You also need negotiating, organisational, project management and business skills.
You can gain experience by working on a range of projects and by taking on bigger projects. You could progress to become a manager, responsible for the work of a team of surveyors. You could then progress further to manage a geographical area or be responsible for particular part of the business.
Related roles
- Estates technician [7]
- Estates manager [8]
- Facilities management [9]
- Fire safety officer [10]