Radiographer
Use different kinds of radiation to help diagnose or treat people who are ill or injured.
About the job
What it's like
You'd use different kinds of radiation to help diagnose or treat people who are ill or injured.
You'd use highly technical, computerised equipment. There are two types of radiography â diagnostic and therapeutic.
As a diagnostic radiographer, you'd:
produce and interpret high-quality images of the body to identify and diagnose injury and disease
screen people for abnormalities
take part in surgical procedures, such as biopsies (examining tissues to find the cause of disease)
As a therapeutic radiographer, you'd:
plan and deliver treatment using X-rays and other radioactive sources
work closely with medical specialists to plan and treat malignant tumours or tissue defects
assess and monitor patients throughout treatment and follow up
Your patients might be very anxious and upset, so youâd need to be sensitive and gentle with them.
In both areas you would work as part of a team with radiologists, clinical oncologists, physicists, radiology nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Your patients could be very ill; youâd need to have emotional strength. It would also be important to keep up to date with new techniques and treatments.
You can see more about the role of the Diagnostic radiographer and the Therapeutic radiographer on the NHS Scotland Careers website.
Hours
You'll usually work around 37 hours a week, which may include shifts and unsocial hours (such as evenings, weekend and public holidays).
Environment
Diagnostic radiographers usually work in a hospital radiography department. You could also work in outpatient clinics, accident and emergency wards or operating theatres. Therapeutic radiographers work in a specialised radiotherapy or oncology centre. You'd wear a uniform, and sometimes protective clothing too. This work can be physically and emotionally demanding.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- radiography
- magnetic resonance imaging
- radiology
- angiography
- fluoroscopy
- dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
- satellite imagery
- cardiovascular disease
- training programs management
- six degrees of freedom
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- working with numbers
- listening
- cooperating
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Chemistry
Human Biology
Physics
You need an honours degree in radiography (SCQF Level 10).
To entry a radiography honours degree (SCQF Level 10) you'll need National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers at BBBC or above.
To enter a two-year postgraduate diploma (SCQF Level 11) which can lead to an MSc course in Radiotherapy, you'll need a relevant science or health-related honours degree.
Qualifications that show understanding of health and wellbeing such as Skills for Work Health and Social Care (SCQF Level 6) would also be of use for some basic knowledge.
to pass a medical examination
to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland
to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
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