Everything you need to know about working as a Radiographer in the UK

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 in order to help diagnose the patients’ medical condition.

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.
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Responsibilities of a radiographer include:

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 in order 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, i.e. working with injured patients
Capturing images during operations
May be required to use specialist equipment such as fluoroscopy or angiography
Hours can vary across a 24/7 shift pattern; long days, short days, night shifts, on-call.
Work 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

Search and apply for exclusive radiographer jobs here at Maxxima

What qualifications does a radiographer need?

To practise as a registered radiographer in the UK, you will need to have:

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

What is a radiographer’s salary?

Band 5: £24,214 - £31,112
Band 6: £30,401 - £37,267
Band 7:£37.570 - £43,772

In order 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

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

Note: London rates will be slightly higher.

There are certain benefits that come from 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

How to become a radiographer

To work as a radiographer, you will need a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography, or equivalent degree recognised by the HCPC. You will also need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)..

Search our radiographer jobs now to start your career with Maxxima.