Blog Img

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

Back to Blogs

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.
Search radiography jobs

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

Register with Maxxima today and let us find your perfect new job

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.

​Register with us

​Don't miss our latest company news and insight

background image