Radiography Assistant
What is the work like?
As a radiography assistant, or imaging support worker, you would help qualified radiographers with their day-to-day duties. Your work would often include:
- providing reassurance to patients using the department
- giving information to patients about their treatment
- transporting patients to and from other wards and departments
- helping to maintain image processing systems and accessory equipment
- reporting any faults with equipment
- providing emotional and physical support to patients during treatment
- assisting the radiographer with procedures, such as biopsies
- clerical tasks, such as booking appointments.
Your duties could also involve processing film images (to help diagnose ill or injured patients) and maintaining hygiene within the department.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may not need any specific qualifications to become a radiography assistant, however, you will usually need a good general standard of education. Some employers may ask for four or more GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and a science subject. Check with your local NHS Trust for specific advice.
You may have an advantage if you also have some relevant paid or voluntary experience. Contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice.
Another way to get experience of this work is through a two-year Cadet Scheme or Apprenticeship. Schemes vary between NHS Trusts, but usually include clinical placements and study towards an NVQ Level 3 in Health. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. You could also contact your local NHS Trust for details of cadet schemes in your area.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a radiography assistant, you will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. You may also be encouraged to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Health (Clinical Imaging or Radiotherapy), including units specific to radiography support work.
With experience, you may be able to apply for an assistant practitioner post and study for a foundation degree in Radiography and Oncology Practice. This level qualification could give you access to year two of a degree leading to registration as a radiographer (this may be done as part of a secondment, with financial support from your employer).
As an assistant (or assistant practitioner) you could join the Society and College of Radiographers, which would give you access to networking opportunities and professional development activities.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Mill Street
London
SE1 2EW
Tel: 020 7740 7200
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
Speech and Language Therapy Assistant
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Radiography assistants can earn between around £17,000 and £21,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work around 37.5 hours a week as a full-time assistant. Part-time hours and job sharing opportunities are also often available.
This work can be physically and emotionally demanding as you would be working with patients with a range of health conditions. You would wear protective clothing, such as an x-ray apron, when working with these machines.
You will be based within a hospital radiography department or outpatient clinic.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- patience and empathy
- the ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds
- an interest and ability in science
- accuracy and attention to detail
- good communication and listening skills
- the ability to reassure patients who may be worried or distressed
- good teamworking skills and the ability to work on your own initiative
- an awareness of health and safety regulations.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs in the NHS. You could also work within the private sector (in hospitals or clinics).
With experience (as a radiography assistant or assistant practitioner) and with support from your employer, you could go on to study part-time to become a qualified radiographer (check with the Society and College of Radiographers for further advice).
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and further reading: (links open in new window)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
