Diagnostic radiographer
Radiography is a fast-moving and innovative area of healthcare, where you’ll use advanced technology to see inside the body, help identify the cause of illness, and work closely with other healthcare professionals to plan the best course of treatment for your patients.
Introduction to the role
As a diagnostic radiographer, you’ll play a key role in helping to identify and diagnose medical conditions by producing detailed images of the inside of the body. You’ll work closely with patients, explaining procedures and ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their care.
A diagnostic radiographer is vital in helping doctors and other healthcare professionals plan effective treatment.
About the role
What does a diagnostic radiographer do?
Working as a diagnostic radiographer, you’ll operate some of the most advanced technology in healthcare, from CT scanners that create 3D images for surgeons to MRI machines that produce highly detailed internal scans. You may also use X-rays, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy to support diagnosis and guide procedures. Each patient will require a tailored approach, whether preparing them for imaging, ensuring they are positioned correctly, or monitoring them during a scan.
Most diagnostic radiographers are based in hospitals, but your work will take you across departments such as emergency, surgery, and outpatient clinics, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver accurate results and support patients through their treatment journey.
What are the pay and conditions like?
If you work as a diagnostic radiographer in the NHS, you’ll usually have a 37.5 hour working week, which may include some evenings, nights or weekends.
Most diagnostic radiographers start at band 5 on the Agenda for Change pay scale. You’ll also receive at least 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, along with access to the NHS pension scheme and a range of staff discounts.
Where diagnostic radiography can take you
Once you have qualified as a diagnostic radiographer, there are many opportunities to develop and progress in your career.
You could:
- specialise in a specific type of imaging, such as CT scanning or MRI
- focus on working with particular patient groups, such as children, stroke patients or those with cancer
- move into research or teaching to help develop the profession and train future radiographers
- take on leadership roles, heading a radiography team and managing budgets, staff and equipment within the NHS
You’ll have regular professional development reviews to support your goals and keep your skills up to date. You may also choose to join the Society of Radiographers to access further training, events and networking opportunities.
Life as a diagnostic radiographer
Life as a diagnostic radiographer
Person specification
Is diagnostic radiography right for you?
Academic qualifications are important, but they are only part of the picture. As a diagnostic radiographer, you will need a genuine interest in new technologies, an awareness of safety at all times, and sharp observational skills to spot even the smallest details. The ability to interpret complex data accurately is essential. This is also a people-focused role, so you must be able to communicate clearly and confidently with patients, as well as work effectively with colleagues across different teams.
Ask yourself:
- Am I confident using and learning about advanced technology?
- Can I stay focused and precise when working with detailed information?
Do your personal qualities suit the role?
You will be working closely with patients from all walks of life, often when they may be anxious or unwell. Strong interpersonal skills will help you offer reassurance and support while ensuring they understand each step of the process. You’ll need to be adaptable, organised, and ready to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ask yourself:
Can I balance technical expertise with empathy and understanding?
Do I work well both independently and in a team setting?
Entry requirements and training
To become a diagnostic radiographer, you will need to successfully complete an approved undergraduate or master’s degree in diagnostic radiography. Undergraduate courses usually take three to four years full time, or up to six years part time, while postgraduate courses typically take two years. Another option is to train through a degree apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography. Once you have completed your studies, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can begin practising.nbsp;
For most undergraduate courses, universities expect at least five GCSEs at grades 4–9/A-C, including English language, maths and a science subject, along with two or three A levels, often including physics, chemistry or biology/human biology. Equivalent qualifications may also be accepted, such as a BTEC, HND or HNC with a science component, a relevant T Level, an NVQ in a related area, a science-based Access course, or equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.
Exact requirements can vary between universities, so it’s important to check carefully before applying. Many institutions also consider performance in interviews and selection processes, alongside academic achievements. Gaining some firsthand experience with a diagnostic radiography team can help you better understand the role and strengthen your application.
Degree apprenticeships offer another route into the profession, allowing you to earn a salary while training, with tuition fees covered by your employer and the government. Entry requirements for apprenticeships vary, but you will usually need qualifications at level 3.
Find out more about routes into the NHS with UCAS.
Work experience
Applying for a course or apprenticeship as a diagnostic radiographer is going to be competitive. If you're seriously considering it, it is a great idea to try and gain some prior work experience to strengthen your application. Visit NHS England to find out more about gaining work experience for careers in the NHS.