Radiography
What to include in my radiography personal statement?
Healthcare Assistant or Support Worker: Work as a healthcare assistant in a hospital or clinic. This role involves providing support to patients, assisting with daily activities, and gaining exposure to the healthcare environment.
Radiography Department Assistant: Seek opportunities to work within a radiography department as an assistant. This may involve administrative tasks, preparing equipment, and observing radiographers at work.
Volunteer in Healthcare Organisations: Volunteer your time in healthcare organisations, such as hospitals or clinics. Offer your assistance in non-clinical roles or support roles that allow you to interact with patients and healthcare professionals.
Shadowing Radiographers: Arrange to shadow experienced radiographers to observe their daily tasks and gain insights into the profession. This can provide valuable first hand experience and help you understand the role more deeply.
Clinical Placements or Internships: Some programmes may offer clinical placements or internships as part of the curriculum. If possible, explore opportunities to participate in such programmes to gain practical experience and exposure to the radiography field.
Research Assistant in Radiography Projects: If there are research projects or studies related to radiography at local universities or healthcare institutions, consider volunteering as a research assistant. This can demonstrate your interest in the academic aspects of the field.
Community Outreach Programmes: Participate in community outreach programmes organised by healthcare institutions. These programmes often involve providing healthcare services to underserved communities, and your involvement can showcase your dedication to helping others.
Participate in Radiography Conferences or Workshops: Attend conferences or workshops related to radiography. This not only demonstrates your interest in the field but also provides networking opportunities with professionals and educators.
What are the different types of radiography?
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Therapeutic radiography, a specialised field within radiography, is dedicated to employing ionising radiation to treat diseases, with a primary focus on cancer. Therapeutic radiographers, often referred to as radiation therapists, engage in a meticulous process of delivering precise doses of radiation to targeted areas, aiming to eliminate cancer cells while minimising harm to surrounding healthy tissues. This collaborative effort involves close coordination with radiation oncologists to devise personalised treatment plans. Advanced technologies, including linear accelerators and brachytherapy devices, are utilised by therapeutic radiographers to administer radiation therapy effectively.
The training pathway for therapeutic radiographers typically involves pursuing an undergraduate degree in therapeutic radiography. This comprehensive program encompasses theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and clinical placements, preparing individuals to operate sophisticated equipment and contribute significantly to cancer care.
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Diagnostic radiography, a pivotal aspect of medical imaging, revolves around creating visual representations of the internal structures of the human body to facilitate disease diagnosis. Diagnostic radiographers are integral in performing various imaging procedures, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Collaborating closely with radiologists and physicians, diagnostic radiographers play a vital role in capturing high-quality images essential for accurate and timely diagnoses.
The training pathway for diagnostic radiographers typically involves completing an undergraduate degree in diagnostic radiography. This programme equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate diverse imaging modalities and engage in patient-centred care. Clinical placements and hands-on experience form a significant part of the training, ensuring proficiency in producing precise diagnostic images
Things to familiarise yourself with and research
HCPC: The health and care professionals’ council which you will need to apply to get a licence from to be a radiographer.
Society of Radiographers (A trade union for all radiographers.)
Average graduate salary: £30k as you start at band 5, through training and experience this is likely to rise. (Check out the Agenda for Change scheme)
You will be given an NHS grant of around £5000.
Career progression: Once you qualify as a radiographer you can specialise in any field of radiography either through extra training or doing a masters. You can go into research or teaching, or you can decide to go private or do locum shifts.
Be aware to those who fear blood etc that you will be needed in theatre.
Reading Suggestions
NHS Jobs (look for any vacancies for imaging assistants near you)