Six reasons to study Diagnostic Radiography

1. Improve and save lives

Diagnostic radiographers are very important in the world of healthcare. Doctors need accurate radiography tests to ensure diseases are caught in time and patients receive the best treatment possible.

Most patients undergo a diagnostic assessment before getting treatment, so you’ll play an essential role in improving their health and wellbeing. They need caring technologists who can help them feel at ease and answer their questions.

2. Good graduate job prospects

More and more doctors are relying on diagnostic imaging; thus, the demand for experts in radiography is rapidly increasing. Most graduates go to work with the NHS, where there are many job opportunities and good salaries.

The majority of Diagnostic Radiography courses require you to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), meaning you’ll be qualified to practice professionally. 

3. Room for growth

There’s a lot of learning on the job, and organisations such as the NHS offer continuous professional development (CPD) schemes. As your career progresses, you can take on further responsibilities, such as managing or teaching. Alternatively, you could specialise in a specific area or even take your work to a hospital or medical centre overseas.

4. Combine interests in biology, physics and technology

During your degree course, you’ll be taught how to use modern equipment and bring together aspects of biology, physics and technology. You’ll be able to use your expertise across the medical sciences to perform and analyse tests such as MRIs, x-rays, CTs and angiographs. 

5. Plenty of hands-on experience

You’ll learn through evidence-based teaching, using industry-standard facilities and modern technology such as diagnostic x-ray rooms and digital imaging labs. Most courses include plenty of clinical placement time, so you'll gain real-world experience working alongside NHS and other clinical professionals.

6. Alternative career paths

There are many other healthcare roles that Diagnostic Radiography graduates can pursue. This includes biomedical scientists or engineers, dental technicians or hygienists, microbiologists, physicists, optometrists and prosthetists.

Like the sound of being a diagnostic radiographer? You can register your interest with the NHS to receive further information about a career as a diagnostic radiographer and see what benefits the NHS offer.