Diagnostic radiographers work mainly within the radiology department but also work in the ward, theatre and accident and emergency environments.
Radiographers are at the heart of modern medicine and are responsible for producing high quality images using expensive and sophisticated equipment. Imaging Directorates include a number of specialist areas encompassing a wide range of different imaging modalities including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, Computerized Tomography (CT), nuclear medicine and, of course, plain film Radiography.
Diagnostic radiographers provide a service for most departments within the hospital including, accident and emergency, outpatients, operating theatres and wards. Close liaison and collaboration with a wide range of other health care professionals is therefore vital. X-rays and CT are just two of the imaging techniques used by diagnostic radiographers to look at injuries or disease, or monitor changes inside the body. After graduating diagnostic radiographers will carry out a range of procedures within the x ray department. They may later specialise in techniques such as Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and Nuclear Medicine after undergoing further study.
Diagnostic Radiographers require a range of skills including:
- Good interpersonal skills to communicate with other members of the team and to provide support for patients who may be frightened or uncertain about what is going to happen.
- Knowledge of, and an interest in, the sciences such as physics, anatomy and physiology.
- The confidence (after appropriate training) to work with leading-edge technology.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to learn new skills and adapt – radiography is constantly changing.
- To make decisions quickly and independently.
Diagnostic radiography is a fast-moving and continually changing profession, and long-term career prospects include management, research, clinical work and teaching.
