How to become a therapeutic radiographer

CONTENTS

1. Routes to becoming a therapeutic radiographer

2. Skills you’ll need

3. Finding work experience

4. How to get a job as a therapeutic radiographer

5. What it's like to be a therapeutic radiographer

Routes to becoming a therapeutic radiographer

Therapeutic radiographers are key in supporting and treating cancer patients. Their main role is using radiation, and the latest advancements in medical technology, to target cancerous cells and deliver treatment.

A course approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is required to practice therapeutic radiography. You’ll be eligible to register with the HCPC once you complete the course. Most Therapeutic Radiography courses are HCPC-approved, but you should check before applying.

On a Therapeutic Radiography course you’ll learn how to:

• Plan and implement treatment programmes
• Use advanced radiation treatment technology
• Manage radiation side-effects for long-term health

There are courses available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Most incorporate a mix of theoretical classroom learning with practical, clinical-based teaching.

Undergraduate degrees

Bachelor’s degrees in Therapeutic Radiography are available, including Healthcare Science (Radiotherapy Physics), Radiotherapy and Oncology, or Radiotherapy. Courses often take three years but will be longer if you study part time or take an integrated foundation year.

You’ll be offered a £5,000 bursary from the NHS each year if you study Therapeutic Radiography. This will go towards your tuition fees, and you won’t have to pay them back. Therapeutic Radiography has also been identified as a subject needing to recruit, so you’ll receive an extra £1,000.

To learn more about these undergraduate courses, our Therapeutic Radiography subject guide delves deeper into entry requirements, what topics you can expect to cover and how you’re likely to be assessed.

Degree apprenticeships

These undergraduate courses allow you to work while you study part time towards a bachelor’s degree. You apply directly through an employer, who coordinates the course with a university.

NHS Jobs and Find an apprenticeship are where available Therapeutic Radiography degree apprenticeships can be found. The employer and university set entry requirements.

You won’t be eligible for any tuition fee loans or grants towards your degree apprenticeship, as it’s entirely funded by your employer.

Postgraduate degrees

Different postgraduate course options are available, including postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, master’s and doctoral degrees. Graduates who wish to specialise in a particular area of Therapeutic Radiography, or want to do research and teach, undertake a postgraduate course. Courses can take one or two years.

Science graduates who didn’t study a Therapeutic Radiography undergraduate degree can take a graduate-entry pre-registration course to become a radiographer.

Skills you’ll need

To succeed as a therapeutic radiographer, you’ll need:

• Compassion and empathy in a clinical setting
• Strong knowledge of anatomy and physics
• Technical skills to administer relevant radiotherapy treatment
• Ability to identify side effects and provide relevant care
• Clear and confident communication
• To break down complex information into simple terms

Finding work experience

Although not a requirement for most undergraduate courses, work experience is strongly encouraged. It'll show admissions tutors your enthusiasm for the subject and eagerness to learn. Graduate roles will require work experience, which you should get during your undergraduate degree.

Try these suggestions of where to find work experience:

• Offer to help with any local NHS Trusts
• Shadow a therapeutic radiographer at a nearby hospital, imaging or radiography department
• Sit down and chat with a therapeutic radiographer about their experience
• Work in a care home, retirement village, or hospice
• Help in a local school or daycare centre
• Volunteer with charities such as St John Ambulance

Any work, whether public, private, paid, or voluntary, will be valued.

How to get a job as a therapeutic radiographer

You’ll need at least an undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Radiography, making you eligible to register with the HCPC. New graduates get a 50 per cent discount when registering. The new graduate’s registration fee for a full two-year registration cycle is £116.36, which works out at £58.18 per year.

Vacant roles can be found at NHS Jobs or NHS Scotland Jobs but note that you’ll only be considered once your HCPC registration’s been approved.

You may also wish to become accredited by the College of Radiographers (CoR). Accreditation can open further job opportunities.

What it's like to be a therapeutic radiographer

You could be working in a radiotherapy department at an NHS or private hospital or a hospice. You’ll work alongside a team focused on helping cancer patients, including doctors, engineers, nurses, physicists, and oncologists.

Daily tasks could include:

• Planning and providing safe treatment using radioactive technology
• Working with specialists to ensure the best treatment for tumours or defects
• Assessing, monitoring and supporting patients during and after treatment
• Making sure equipment and records are held to a high standard
• Making sure staff and patients are safe from harmful radiation
• Giving health advice and promoting cancer awareness

You’ll have Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins once you qualify, where you talk about your career and future goals. You can become a member of organisations like the Society of Radiography (SoR) that allow you to take courses, network and attend events.

A working week is typically 37.5 hours, and you may have to work evenings and weekends. Salaries for therapeutic radiographers are on the Agenda for Change system (the NHS staff grading and pay scale), usually on band 5. The NHS give you access to generous pension schemes, holiday allowances and health service discounts.

Is a role as a therapeutic radiographer right for you?

It can be an emotionally and physically challenging role. You’ll have to move and lift patients as well as equipment. You’ll need to be emotionally resilient, as you could be supporting patients dealing with life-threatening illnesses.

But it can also be incredibly fulfilling. Your work will support people on the road to recovery and potentially help save many lives.