What is a radiographer? Everything you need to know about working as a UK radiographer

What is a radiographer?

A radiographer is an Allied Health Professional who uses x-rays, or other forms of imaging, to produce pictures of patients to help diagnose medical conditions.

There are a variety of types of radiographers and imaging techniques that may be used, including but not exclusive to CT, MRI, cardiac, and breast screening.

Responsibilities of a radiographer

• Receiving messages from medical practitioners and deciding which type of imaging is appropriate for the request
• Explaining the process to patients, as well as accurately positioning the patient’s body and make sure the radiation levels are safe
• Taking the best image possible to diagnose a patient’s medical situation appropriately
• Developing the film or processing digital images and ensuring images are stored correctly
• Working in A&E and trauma units, i.e. working with injured patients
• Capturing images during operations
• Using specialist equipment such as fluoroscopy or angiography
• Working varying hours across a 24/7 shift pattern; long days, short days, night shifts, on-call
• Working together as a team with support workers, assistants, radiologists and oncologists during multiple phases (screening, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring) of patient trauma and disease care

Where can radiographers work?

Radiographers can work in a variety of different medical sectors, including:

• NHS hospitals
• Private hospitals
• Community hospitals
• Private clinics
• Mobile vans
• Mortuaries
• Universities

What qualifications does a radiographer need?

To practise as a registered radiographer in the UK, you’ll need:

• BSc in Diagnostic Radiography, or equivalent degree recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Registration with HCPC
• Relevant post-graduate degree in specialist areas, such as medical ultrasound or breast screening.

What is a radiographer’s salary?

• Band 5: £28,407 to £34,581
• Band 6: £35,392 to £42,618
• Band 7: £43,742 to £50,056

To qualify for higher bands, you would need to have:

• Relevant post-graduate degree or experience for the specialist areas
• General Radiography will pay at Band 6, with specialist areas such as MRI, CT, breast screening and cath lab, for example, paying Band 7

Working as a locum radiographer

There are certain benefits that come with working as a locum radiographer compared to a full-time role. These include:

• Greater flexibility with hours
• Paid per hour worked
• Increased rate
• 1 weeks’ notice if you wish is to try a different role
• Weekly payments
• Ability to work nights and weekends with uplifts

Locum radiographer pay rates

• Band 5: £18-20 per hour
• Band 6: £21-26 per hour
• Band 7: £25-30 per hour

Note: London rates may be higher.

How to become a radiographer with Pulse

Ready for the next step in your radiographer career? Register your interest in radiographer opportunities or start your search and application with available radiography jobs on Pulse.