get into diagnostic radiography
TRANSCRIPT
Get into diagnostic radiography
What is diagnostic radiography?Diagnostic radiography is a care-giving role but also one of the fastest developing technical areas of the health sector. Diagnostic radiographers are skilled medical imaging professionals who produce medical images of the body using specialist equipment such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They usually work in a radiology department and are a vital part of patients’ diagnostic and therapeutic care.
> Use ionising radiation (X-rays) to create images of the human body – these images are interpreted by radiologists or reporting radiographers to help decide a patient’s care, diagnosis and treatment.
> Image all groups of people, from pregnant women for ultrasound foetal scans, to patients with musculoskeletal disease who have fractured bones, and those with more complex diseases such as strokes or cancer.
> Image patients at all parts of the journey through the healthcare system – patients may be imaged when they first come in following an accident, when they go to theatre for surgery, or for any follow-up examinations.
What do diagnostic radiographers do?
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resilient
work flexibly throughout your
career
problem solver
perform under pressure
good team member
effective communicator
You need to be compassionate and able to put people at ease very quickly, as radiographers only have a short timeframe to image their patients. You need to be able to understand patients’ needs and requirements, to produce the best images for the patient.
Am I the right kind of person to be a diagnostic radiographer?
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|public and private sector opportunities
|managerial positions such as superintendent or service manager
|working for an equipment manufacturer or medical device as a sales or applications specialist
|radiography positions in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, ultrasound and fluoroscopy
| international opportunities
|advanced practice such as reporting radiographers, ultrasound and getting involved in patient interventions
|teaching roles including lecturer or clinical learning or academic positions.
Did you know…
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Diagnostic radiography is a varied and rewarding career that can lead to a range of exciting opportunities:
What do I need to become a diagnostic radiographer?
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Once you have your qualification you can apply for registration
with the HCPC as a radiographer.
A full-time BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography degree
takes three years.
As well as having the right characteristics, you
need to complete a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
approved diagnostic radiography programme at undergraduate
or postgraduate level.
BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography UCAS code: B821 BSc/DRad
It’s a course which focuses on a range of subjects including regional anatomy, radiographic practice, x-ray production, pathophysiology, creative thinking and preparing for professional practice.
You can access a large database of medical images at Teesside University Picture Achieve and Communication System (TUPACS) from anywhere.
Our database has almost one million images, along with anonymised reports, making it a fantastic resource for learning and research.
We are committed to innovative ways of supporting the transition to clinical placement, with the use of simulation and peer enhanced e-placements.
What’s it like to study diagnostic radiography at Teesside University?
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For module information, further course details and entry requirements visit tees.ac.uk/study
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| STUDENT PROFILEBethany Wilson BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
Why diagnostic radiography at Teesside?I knew I wanted to help people and I love photography, so I decided to mix the two. Because X-rays fascinated me and the science behind them interested me, I decided radiography was the right path.I realised Teesside was the place for me after speaking with student ambassadors at the University’s open day – everyone spoke of the amazing facilities and friendly people.
What do you like most about your course?My favourite part is the placement which is 50% of the course. I enjoy learning on the job and working with patients – five minutes with a patient can really brighten their day. The radiographers on my placement are really helpful which has helped build my confidence. Each year we have a different set of competences to complete and get signed off by our placement mentor.
What do you think about the campus and services?The campus heart is a beautiful open space – with the Library, Students’ Union and Student Life surrounding it. The Library has a range of spaces to study in and you can pop into Student Life if you ever need advice about mental health, finance or careers.Middlesbrough is a low-cost, compact town with shops, bars and cafes within walking distance. And if you ever fancy going to the beach you can always get a train or bus to Redcar or Saltburn.
Any additional activity?I’m a student ambassador. It’s a flexible job which has allowed me to meet lots of other students and learn about different courses. It’s been a great way to build my skills and enhance my CV. I have worked at open days, school events and the residential summer school.
What skills have you gained at Teesside?My course has allowed me to develop the skills and experience I need to become a radiographer. Being a student ambassador has also developed my confidence in speaking to the public, which is a vital skill working in healthcare.
Would you recommend your course?Definitely! I have loved Teesside University. The lecturers are really helpful and make the course interesting. For someone thinking about studying diagnostic radiography, I would say be prepared to do a lot of hard work, and make sure you socialise with everyone on your course as they can help you with all the difficult topics.
I knew I wanted to help people and I love photography, so I decided to mix the two. ”
Career opportunities for diagnostic radiography graduates
Reporting radiographer | produce reports on the images
taken to influence patient care
Specialist image radiographer | taking
specialist scans within the CT or MRI
department
DEXA scanning | imaging osteoporosis patients, to manage
and monitor
Nuclear medicine | carrying out functional
imaging on patients
Cardiac catheter lab radiographer |
specialist procedures: coronary angiograms,
pacemaker insertions
A radiographer’s career can be very diverse. Here are some of the specialisms and fields that you could work in once qualified.
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| STUDENT PROFILEAmelia Polasik BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
Why Teesside?I wanted to start my working life on a challenging job path in the medical field, as I’ve always been fascinated with science. I chose radiography because of my interest in how the human body works, especially the skeletal system. I chose Teesside because it’s one of the top universities for radiography. It’s also very close to the North Yorkshire Moors, which I enjoy exploring in my spare time.
What do you like most about your course?The placements, because to get hands-on experience with the machines is incredible. We are placed in one base hospital, so over the year we grow to work as a team and be part of the normal workflow, which is amazing as a young professional.I have been on placement twice at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital, where I worked within lots of fantastic teams. I have learnt what my future career could be like and the vast opportunities to carry on developing within my profession.
What do you think about the campus and the services offered?The campus is a great place with everything you could ever need as a student easily accessible. The University provides a modern environment for learning, as well as services from IT to financial support, to the amazing new library.
... my advice would be, get ready for a great
experience and get involved in as much as you can.
”What do you think about Middlesbrough and the surrounding area?Middlesbrough has all the shops you could ever need as a student as well as great public transport to local natural beauty spots. However, the best thing about Middlesbrough is that it’s very affordable and everything is within walking distance.
Are you a member of any clubs or societies, or a student ambassador?I am a member of the climbing club which is a great way to make friends and enjoy the great outdoors together. I’m also a student ambassador working on University events. I work flexible hours, due to my placement and timetabled classes, so it’s the perfect job for me. As an ambassador I have learnt to interact with lots of different people from various backgrounds, ages and with different views on life, which will help me greatly with my patient interaction. What are your ambitions for the future?I plan to finish my degree and go into my chosen field of radiography and work hard to make my way through the different levels, eventually becoming a consultant radiographer.
Would you recommend Teesside and your course?I have already recommended Teesside, it’s an amazing university that is nurturing and provides an incredible working environment, as well as a safe place for everyone. I have had great experiences, from making friends for life to learning how to work individually, as well as in a team. For anyone thinking of coming to study here, my advice would be, get ready for a great experience and get involved in as much as you can.
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I have a wide range of experience in radiography, with roles in trauma and CT, cardiac angiography, fluoroscopy, information technology and management. I was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2020 for my work in radiography education.
I have published research in and led keynote lectures at conferences across the world. I’m a trustee of the College of Radiographers. I’m also a member of the Health and Care Professions Council, Anatomical Society, Society and College of Radiographers, and British Institute of Radiology.
Teesside leads the sector in its digital facilities. Our virtual learning environment, recorded lectures and on-line seminars aspires to engage and enthuse students. Our use of computer simulation for radiography education has won numerous awards.
Dr Phil Cosson Senior lecturer in diagnostic radiography
I’m the course leader for the BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography at Teesside University.
I previously worked within interventional radiology, cardiac catheter labs and in CT. I have experience within the medical devices sector where I designed bespoke patient devices for people with complex aneurysms.
My teaching focuses on specialist radiographic imaging and research. There are state of the art skills labs on campus for face-to-face practical instruction.
Mark WiddowfieldSenior lecturer in diagnostic radiography
| MEET THE STAFF
Facilities and support
As a Teesside University diagnostic radiography student you have access to some excellent facilities, supporting you to put your learning into practice and gain the expertise and knowledge needed to be successful in your future career.
Teesside UniversityMiddlesbrough Tees Valley TS1 3BX UK tees.ac.uk
TeessideUni
TeessideUni CA
G 1
1886
/HR
Teesside University tees.ac.uk
The British Institute of Radiology bir.org.uk
Radiography careers radiographycareers.co.uk
The Society and College of Radiographers sor.org
T: +44 (0) 1642 342933
More information