Diagnostic Radiographer

Also known as:

Radiographer, Diagnostic

Introduction

Diagnostic radiographers use radiological equipment, including X-ray or ultrasound. They take pictures of parts of the body where illness or injury is known or suspected. The images produced are then used by doctors in the diagnosis of injury or disease.

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Work Activities

Diagnostic radiographers produce high quality images on film and other recording materials. These help doctors to diagnose disease and injuries. The radiographer uses ionising radiation to produce images on film.

Radionuclide imaging is used to produce images of the internal organs on television monitor screens which are linked to equipment that detects ionising radiation. This works by giving patients safe doses of radioactive substances that show any malfunctions in an organ.

Ultrasound (using high frequency sound waves instead of X-rays) is used to produce images of soft tissue, such as the abdomen, during regular scans of pregnant women.

The diagnostic radiographer is responsible for the technical accuracy of an image on film, which is called a radiograph. The radiograph is then passed on to a specialist doctor (radiologist) who will interpret the results.

Radiography equipment is becoming increasingly complex and much of it is computerised. For example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners give photograph-like detail; this results in more precise diagnoses than are possible with conventional radiographs.

Diagnostic radiographers make sure that the patient is exposed to the minimum amount of radiation necessary to produce a satisfactory diagnostic image. They also have to protect themselves from radiation while operating the equipment.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need the ability to relate to and communicate with patients of all ages and backgrounds. Some of them may be anxious and you will need to put them at their ease.

You must be confident in learning new skills and working with complex high technology equipment. A methodical approach, accuracy and attention to detail are necessary.

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Pay and Opportunities

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

In the NHS, radiographers start on Band 5 of Agenda for Change. From April 1, 2008 this has been £20,225 - £26,123 a year. Specialist radiographers on Band 6 earn £24,103 - £32,653 a year. Those with management responsibilities, on Band 7, can earn up to £38,352 a year.

At the highest levels, radiographer consultants can earn up to £64,118, depending on responsibilities.

Diagnostic radiographers usually work a basic 37.5 hours per week. However, they usually take part in an 'on call' rota. This involves working some weekends, evenings, nights and public holidays.

The NHS employs most diagnostic radiographers. There is a growing demand for radiographers within the private sector. Some are employed in the armed forces, and there are a few opportunities to work in industry.

There is currently a national shortage of radiographers, with not enough graduates to fill the available posts.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications that are usually needed to enter a degree in diagnostic radiography, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any formal qualifications to start an Access course, but you should check individual course details.

Students who enter one of the Allied Health Professions will receive free tuition fees, an income assessed Scottish Executive Health Department bursary and a student loan.

32% of radiographers work part-time.

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