radiographer

While duties may vary based on the facility, here are core roles associated with a radiographer job:

• maintaining radiography equipment: since you have specialised knowledge in handling diagnostic imaging equipment, your job is to keep them in good condition. If a machine needs repairs, you need to look for a maintenance specialist to restore it to proper working condition. Before a procedure, you need to adjust the settings, monitor the radiation levels emitted, and position the equipment to capture clear images.
• preparing patients for various procedures: aside from performing diagnostic imaging or radiation procedures, you interact with patients and prepare them for the procedures. You address any questions or concerns and explain the entire process. You also compile the medical history and ensure the consent forms are in order. When the imaging starts, it is vital to give patients protective clothing and position them correctly for high-quality images.
• administering radiation treatments: with your expertise in radiology, you collaborate with an oncologist to determine the radiotherapy procedures a patient requires. You also check the machines during the procedure to monitor the radiation levels.
• assisting in surgery: invasive surgical procedures often require medical imaging devices to give the surgeon a better view. As a radiographer, you are responsible for operating the imaging machines throughout the procedure.
• maintaining health and safety regulations in radiology units: as a radiographer, you need to protect workers and patients from exposure to excessive radiation rays. That means you need to keep up with the safety guidelines and ionising radiation regulations.
  
   

As a radiographer, you will work in private clinics and hospitals in the radiology unit. Sometimes, you work in the trauma units or cancer treatment wards, depending on your responsibilities. A radiographer also works in surgical units when the surgeon needs real-time imaging during surgery. With the nature of your work, you are exposed to radiation energy throughout the day. Hence, you need to wear specialised safety gear like an apron made of protective materials.

 

Depending on your role in the healthcare facility, your colleagues might include radiologists, doctors and nurses. After radiography, the radiologist examines the images and recommends the treatment procedure while a doctor requests medical imaging and prescribes medication after identifying the illness. You might also be working close to surgeons and oncologists, as well as other specialists that could include paediatricians, neurologists and obstetricians.

 

Radiographers work full-time jobs of about 37 hours a week. However, the work schedule depends on whether you are a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer. Most appointments for therapeutic radiology are scheduled within the 8 am to 6 pm workday. That means you don't have to work night shifts; you only work evenings and a few weekends. Diagnostic radiographers have to work on a shift basis since emergency rooms, and trauma centres need radiographers during emergencies. Your shifts can include early mornings and night shifts since they are rotational. Part-time positions are available for radiographers, especially in private clinics with few clients needing medical imaging. While there is minimal travelling, you have to attend conferences and important events.

 

As a radiographer, you have numerous opportunities to build your career. For instance, you can specialise in using specific imaging equipment that requires training. Another option is to branch into one specialism and grow your expertise. Learning specialised diagnostic or therapeutic procedures boosts your prospects. If you want to progress in your field or take on additional responsibilities, complete the training necessary to become a radiologist. Some radiographers study to become oncologists or doctors. 

 

Finding your radiographer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a radiographer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

 

A radiographer's salary ranges from £25,654 to £45,838 annually. Apart from basic wages, a radiographer receives various allowances and benefits. Want to learn more about working as a radiographer? Then check out this article.
 

No. A radiographer is not a doctor until they complete specialised training. They are allied health professionals who take medical images, often referred to as medical imaging technologists. 
 

A radiography training programme takes between one to four years, depending on the certification you want. An associate degree in radiography takes two years to complete, while a bachelor's degree takes four years. 
 

A radiographer requires exceptional communication skills to communicate with patients and address their concerns. You need technical skills in operating the machines to avoid errors that could lead to poor imaging or exposure to harmful radiation. Problem-solving skills also come in handy in challenging situations. 
 

You can become a radiographer by pursuing a bachelor's degree in radiography or completing a postgraduate conversion degree. Some people also begin with an apprenticeship and grow their skills. 
 

Applying for a radiographer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!