Radiographer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Radiographer, or Radiologic Technologist uses medical equipment to diagnose and treat people who are either injured or ill. Their duties include using radiographic equipment to do x-rays and other procedures, analysing and reporting on the results to Doctors and ensuring that emergency procedures are performed.

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Radiographer duties and responsibilities

Radiographers usually work in hospitals or healthcare facilities. Their day-to-day duties and responsibilities include:

Using radiographic equipment, including surgical and portable equipment to do x-rays
Prioritising patients to complete all scheduled appointments and allow for emergency procedures
Monitoring the radiographic equipment and supplies and ensuring there are sufficient supplies by submitting purchasing request proactively
Analysing and reporting the results of x-rays to Doctors
Handling phone calls from patients and Doctors to answer technical questions and offer pre-procedure guidance

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What does a Radiographer do?

Radiographers are licenced Technicians who capture images of tissue, bone and organs for patient diagnosis. Using radiation in the form of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and x-rays, Radiographers diagnose, assess and treat patients for a range of diseases and injuries. Often part of a surgical or medical team, Radiographers are usually involved in initial patient assessment and testing, providing evidentiary and diagnostic data for Physicians.

Radiographer skills and qualifications

Radiographer needs excellent verbal and written communication skills. They need outstanding analysis skills to provide feedback to Doctors on the results of the procedures. Other skills and qualifications Radiographers need to perform their duties effectively include:

Knowledge of medical procedures and medicine
Outstanding thinking and reasoning skills
Proficiency in the use of computers and the most popular software packages
Knowledge and understanding of biology
Ability to work independently, but also as a part of a healthcare team
Sensitivity and understanding towards patients during procedures
Excellent attention to detail and the ability to perform well under pressure
Physical strength to assist with the lifting or moving of patients to ensure their positioning is correct for the specific procedure
Analysing and reporting x-ray results to Doctors
Monitoring all radiographic supplies and submitting purchase requests to maintain proper supply levels

Radiographer experience requirements

Entry-level Radiographers will need an appropriate qualification in radiology. The seniority of the position will determine the experience required. More senior positions may require at least two years of experience in a clinical care setting. Radiographers need to pass background checks (including criminal background checks) as they work with vulnerable individuals and children.

Radiographer education and training requirements

Radiographers need to complete a degree in either diagnostic or therapeutic radiology, together with a relevant apprenticeship, before registering with the Health and Care Professional Council. Most Radiographer positions require at least a master’s degree in radiology. Radiography Assistants who have worked their way up to an Assistant Radiographer Practitioner position could complete a part-time degree to become a Radiographer.

Radiographer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Radiographer in the UK is £33,466 per year. The salary level for a Radiographer depends on the hospital or healthcare facility, its location and the years of experience required.

Job description samples for similar positions

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Radiographer job description FAQs

What is the difference between a Radiographer and a Radiologist?

A Radiographer takes x-rays or performs MRIs or CT scans. They assist with interventional procedures (angiograms or biopsies) and radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients. A Radiologist interprets diagnostic images, including x-rays, MRI and CT scans. Radiologists perform interventional procedures and ultrasound scans. They provide written reports on the results to Doctors.

What are the different types of Radiographers?

Radiographers can specialise in either diagnostic or therapeutic radiography. Diagnostic Radiographers produce and analyse high-quality images of different parts of the human body to identify and diagnose disease and injury. They can use radiography equipment to screen for abnormalities. At times they take part in surgical procedures, such as biopsies.

Therapeutic Radiographers plan and treat patients through the use of x-rays and radioactive sources. They may work with a team of medical specialists to develop a treatment plan for malignant tumours or tissue defects. They also assist and monitor patients during and after treatments.

How can you make a Radiographer job description stand out?

You may provide details of the duties and responsibilities for the Radiographer position. The job description needs to include details of your preferred experience and qualifications for the position. You need to also indicate if there are specific working hours for the role, such as shift work.

What should you look for in a Radiographer's CV?

You need to look for CVs that list any education, training and experience that applies to the position advertised. Ideal candidates are candidates who exhibit a balance of technical, medical and people skills. You also need to consider the candidates’ ability to handle the specific medical imaging equipment and gear required by the position.