A Guide to Postgraduate Medical Radiography

Radiography is a popular specalisation within the health care profession, and one that benefits from high quality postgraduate education. Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of radiographers – diagnostic and therapeutic. For those who did not study radiography at undergraduate level, there are accelerated courses, which, upon completion will allow students to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). There are also courses for existing radiographers and those who have significant experience in a related field and wish to change the focus of their current work. Read on to find out more about radiography and how it can be studied at a postgraduate level. 

What do diagnostic radiographers do? 

 Diagnostic radiographers use radiation technologies and other techniques to examine patients with existing or possible injuries and conditions. They work mainly within the radiology and imaging departments of hospitals and use, X-rays, fluoroscopy, angiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and radio nuclide imaging (nuclear medicine) in various situations. Their role is not limited to the use of equipment, as they analyse the images and use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to essentially diagnose, working with other specialist in allied healthcare. 

What do therapeutic radiographers do? 

Therapeutic radiographers (also known as radiotherapy radiographers) work with doctors and other members of the oncology team to treat patients with cancer. They deliver doses of X-rays and other ionising radiation to patients, aiming to deliver an accurate dose to a tumour or cancer whilst minimising the dose received by the surrounding tissues. They establish the location which requires treatment and calculate the dosage needed. Therapeutic radiographers are likely to be involved in the care of the cancer patient from the initial referral clinic stage through to the planning process, treatment itself and eventually post-treatment review stages. 

What postgraduate radiography courses are there? 

Postgraduate courses for registered radiography professionals cover areas such as Oncology, Medical Imaging and Breast Evaluation, as well as more general radiography programmes. 

Accelerated courses are run for both diagnostic and therapeutic radiography. They allow graduates to take training in two years rather than three or four years as accreditation for prior experiential learning can be given by the university.  

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What are the entry requirements for postgraduate radiography courses? 

Many courses will require students to have received at least a 2:1 or 2:2 in a science or health care related degree, though some institutions will consider students without a relevant degree if that have had a high level of recent practical experience in a science or health care profession. Accelerated courses can have similar requirements. For further information on entry requirements, refer to the university website or contact the admissions office. 

 As with most programmes that result in NHS registration to practice, a satisfactory criminal records check is also required. 

What funding options are there for postgraduate radiography courses? 

Postgraduate students looking to study radiography may be able to receive a postgraduate loan from the government to help cover tuition and living costs. Some students may also be eligible to receive additional funding via the NHS Learning Support Fund. Certain universities offer scholarships and grants for students who are planning to study radiography at their institutions. Refer to the university’s website, or contact the university, to find out what funding options they might be able to provide. 

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What are the salary expectations and job prospects for radiographers? 

Starting salaries for newly graduated radiographers are around £25,000 a year, and experienced radiographer salaries can reach up to around £45,000 a year. Approximately 90% of radiographers are employed by the NHS and self-employment or freelance work is unlikely, but there may be some opportunities for agency work. Working hours are 37.5 hours a week, but because radiographers are needed 24/7, you could be expected to work on weekends, bank holidays and night shifts on a rota. 

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