Diagnostic Radiographer BSc - Level 6

Radiography

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 until their treatment ends. 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 central to a wider multidisciplinary team, working and consulting with colleagues across various departments.

Skills and knowledge

To become a Diagnostic Radiographer you will need:

  • knowledge of medicine and medical procedures
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be safety-conscious
  • knowledge of biology
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • active listening skills
  • concentration skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
  • excellent observational skills
  • to be able to interpret data

Qualifications

To become a diagnostic radiographer, you must first successfully complete an approved degree or masters in diagnostic radiography. Degree courses take three or four years full time, or up to six years part time. There are also some postgraduate courses 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. The other option is to apply for an apprenticeship degree.

Routes into this job

You may be able to do a diagnostic radiographer degree apprenticeship.

This typically takes 36 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and academic study at an approved university.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You'll need to do an approved degree or postgraduate qualification, which allows you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council. You'll need registration to work.

If you're a health professional or a graduate with a relevant first degree, you may be able to take a fast-track postgraduate qualification over 2 years.

You may be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You'll usually need:
- five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science
- two of three A levels, including physics, chemistry or biology/human biology.
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Or equivalent qualifications:
- BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science
- relevant NVQ
- science-based access course
- equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

You can start as a radiography assistant and work your way up to assistant practitioner. At this level, your employer may give you the opportunity to work and study part-time for a degree and a professional qualification to become a radiographer.

Career progression

Once you’ve qualified, you’ll have annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where you will discuss your career aspirations and plan how you can achieve them, so you’re always moving forward. Youll be encouraged to join The Society of Radiographers 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 undertake further training to become a sonographer. 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.


Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Level 7

Advanced Clinical Practitioners are experienced clinicians who demonstrate expertise in their scope of practice. Advanced Clinical Practitioners manage defined episodes of clinical care independently, from beginning to end, providing care and treatment from the time an individual first presents through to the end of the episode, which may include admission, referral or discharge or care at home. They carry out their full range of duties in relation to individuals’ physical and mental healthcare and in acute, primary, urgent and emergency settings (including hospitals, general practice, individuals’ homes, schools and prisons, and in the public, independent, private and charity sectors). They combine expert clinical skills with research, education and clinical leadership within their scope of practice. Advanced Clinical Practitioners work innovatively on a one to one basis with individuals as well as part of a wider team. They work as part of the wider health and social care team and across traditional professional boundaries in health and social care.