Therapeutic Radiographer

Speech and Language Therapist

Research Nurse

Speech and Language Therapist

Research Nurse

Do you want to use your interest in science and technology to make a real difference?

Therapeutic Radiographers are one of the 14 different Allied Health Professions. A therapeutic radiographer uses radiotherapy to treat patients with cancer. Whereas, a diagnostic radiographer takes images inside patient bodies to help understand and diagnose conditions.

As a Therapeutic Radiographer you are likely to:

work clinically as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a hospital
plan and deliver individual radiotherapy treatment to between 35 and 50 patients every day
use new technology such as linear accelerators to deliver the radiotherapy treatment
see your patients regularly over a number of weeks as you treat their condition and support them on their journey

Entry Requirements

Therapeutic Radiographers are trained to degree level. To be accepted for an undergraduate degree or a degree apprenticeship programme you will need:

Five GCSEs (five A-C/9-4 grade GCSE’s) including English language, maths and science PLUS

Two or three A levels, including physics, chemistry or biology/human biology (or equivalent qualifications)

BTEC Extended Diploma DMM or above in a relevant subject for example Medical Science

T Level
Merit in any Health and Science pathway accepted.
For a full list see specific university requirements like:
BSc (Hons) Radiography Radiotherapy and Oncology | AECC University College Bournemouth | AECC University College | Transforming lives through Health Sciences

Training Routes

Therapeutic Radiography is a degree level qualification. Training takes place over 3-4 years full time or 6 years part time.
Our local Wessex provider for this degree is AECC University College Bournemouth.
You can also qualify via a degree apprenticeship, Therapeutic Radiographer (integrated degree, Level 6).

Once qualified you will experience different areas of practice and will likely specialise in your preferred area:
*Pre-treatment –where the radiographers will work out how to how position patients on the treatment couch to be able to treat the cancer and over their course of radiotherapy.
*Treatment – Radiographers will use treatment machines called Linear Accelerators (LINACS) to safely and accurately use modern equipment and the latest techniques to get the best outcomes for patients.
* Brachytherapy – the use of radioactive sources placed close to the tumour to get the best results.
*Practice Educator – supporting staff and students in their radiotherapy education and development
*Research – radiographers support consultants to implement national and local trials testing new procedures and treatments
For those wishing to advance their clinical skills there is the opportunity to train in advanced and then consultant practice.

Radiographers have transferable skills which means they can develop their career outside of cancer care.

Key Skills

This is an ideal career for someone interested in science, as well as building knowledge about and and using different technology. It required strong observational and problem solving skills. It also required great communication skills to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team as well as to provide emotional support to your patients.

Career Development

You may choose to specialise in different areas such as specific cancers or with emerging technologies such as proton beam therapy. You could also progress into research, teaching or management depending on your preferences.

Pay and benefits

Qualified therapeutic radiographers typically start are paid on a Band 5 on the Agenda for Change pay system with progression into senior pay grades with continued professional development.

Some trusts have an Apprentice Assistant Practitioner in Therapeutic Radiography who once qualified as an Assistant Practitioner can apply for the degree or degree apprenticeship to become a Therapeutic Radiographer.