How to become a Radiographer

How to become a Radiographer Considering a career in Radiography? It’s definitely worth looking into…Radiographers use radiation to produce X-Rays and other forms of imaging, to help treat illness or injury.There are two types of Radiography: Diagnostic (primarily used for diagnosis) and Therapeutic (used to help provide treatment). Both functions are absolutely vital parts of the medical process, working everywhere from accident and emergency right through to the operating theatre to ensure patients get the best service to meet their needsTypical responsibilities for a Radiographer may include:Taking and interpreting x-rays, either for diagnosis or treatment purposesUsing other forms of imaging, such as CT, MRI, Fluoroscopy and UltrasoundProviding injury assessments and recommending treatment plansAdministering radiotherapy treatmentConsulting with the patient to brief in and explain proceduresIs it right for me?Becoming a Radiographer isn’t all fun and games (see: radiation). It can be pretty dangerous, especially when working with large dosages, making attention to detail an absolutely essential part of the role.A meticulous approach to your work is also necessary when taking images. A slight imperfection or blurred image could completely alter its effectiveness, and could even lead to a misdiagnosis. If you can’t even manage bring your holiday snaps into sharp focus, this might not be your true calling.Other key skills for a Radiographer include:A comprehensive knowledge of technology, anatomy and physiologyExcellent communication skillsThe ability to work well under pressureFlexibilityEmpathyTactCareer Progression? Radiography AssistantUp to 20,000 RadiographerUp to 40,000 Radiography ConsultantUp to 60,000What's it really like? Some people think being a Radiographer is basically just about pushing buttons and taking pictures, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I work in therapeutic radiology, which deals with treating and rehabilitating people from illness using radiotherapy. There’s so much technical and anatomical knowledge required, and that’s partly why I love it so much. If you love variety and working as part of a team (and/or pulling on a pair of scrubs), it’s definitely worth considering. Get qualifiedTo become a Radiographer you will need a degree or postgraduate qualification, recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).