Radiography is one of the most important tools in modern medicine. The use of X-rays, imaging and ultrasound enables diagnosis and assessment that would otherwise be impossible. High-energy radiation also provides life-saving treatment in cancers and tissue disease. Radiographers have the technical expertise and understanding to use these advancing technologies to best effect.
What will you do?
As a diagnostic radiographer you will use a range of techniques to provide the images and information needed to diagnose and treat patients. Examples are the use of ultrasound to monitor development of a foetus in the womb, or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to detect a blood clot on the brain. Usually, you will take images requested by doctors or other healthcare staff and return the results for viewing. You’ll have important interaction with patients, putting them at their ease and preparing them for the X-ray or scan. You may also need to discuss the images with the doctors to assist in diagnosis. Although you will mainly be based in a hospital’s imaging department, advances in technology mean that radiography can now be performed on wards, in surgery, with mobile screening services in the community, as well as in A&E, where the speed and clarity of results can save lives.
Desireable Traits:
You will need to be versatile, patient, good humoured, diplomatic and flexible. You will need to be a good team player, able to react quickly and correctly in an emergency, able to work long hours, happy to work out of hours and be able to deal with and care for people of all ages and abilities.
You will need to have excellent communication skills, good observation skills, be a good team player and be able to adapt to new and / or changing environments. You will also need good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and reprioritise as necessary. A good ‘attitude’ is also a necessity and you must be able to react well under pressure.