{"id":26217,"date":"2021-02-03T08:12:29","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T08:12:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=26217"},"modified":"2021-02-03T08:12:29","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T08:12:29","slug":"how-to-become-a-radiology-technician","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/access-to-higher-education\/how-to-become-a-radiology-technician\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a Radiology Technician?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Radiology Technician, or Radiographer as they are otherwise known, is a health professional who is becoming increasingly in demand. As our population continues to age, the number of medical conditions increases. Such as breaks, fractures and diseases which often require imaging for accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radiology is an ever-changing field that relies heavily on technological advancement. As equipment and processes evolve, so too does the role of the technician. Appealing to those who like the idea of a career that groups patient care with innovative technology and continual learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salary-wise, you can expect to earn from \u00a322,000 after graduating from a radiography degree. Earning upwards of \u00a350,000 a year with experience in advanced practice and management roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This coupled with the ample opportunity for career progression and specialisation in the field paints it as an attractive prospect. So, if you\u2019re considering this career path, you\u2019ll want to know what your next steps are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous routes to this profession. But ultimately, to become a Radiology Technician, you need to earn an approved university level qualification and have appropriate registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radiology Technicians must know about anatomy, examination techniques, equipment protocols, patient positioning, radiation safety and protection, plus basic patient care.\u00a0So, gaining a higher-level education is essential. While that may be set in stone, you have different options available to you that lead to this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Work towards the role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can start out as a Radiography Assistant and work your way up to become an Assistant Practitioner. There are no set entry requirements to apply for Radiography Assistant roles. But you will have to pass enhanced background checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some employers will expect you to have GCSEs in subjects like maths, English and science. Whereas others might want you to have college qualifications in healthcare or health and social care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you reach the Assistant Practitioner level, many healthcare facilities provide the opportunity to work and study part-time. The Assistant Practitioner role was introduced so individuals could progress and support the workforce with clinical imaging and radiotherapy services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, Assistant Practitioners can study courses that lead to a foundation degree in radiography or an equivalent qualification. So, you can work towards the necessary radiology qualifications while earning and gaining on the job experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do an apprenticeship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another employment-based route into the profession is through an apprenticeship. Providing learners with an integrated degree which combines theoretical study and on the job training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re suitable for anyone looking to pursue a qualified radiography position. Whether they are existing staff such as a Radiography Assistant or Support Worker, or people new to the sector entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you need to line up an apprentice role with a health care provider beforehand. The integrated degree programme also needs to be approved by the\u00a0HCPC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These apprenticeships are usually delivered over 36 months, which includes an integrated end-point assessment. Once completed, you\u2019ll be able to apply for registration and begin working as a Radiology Technician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The entry requirements are generally four or five\u00a0GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C). Plus three A levels, or equivalent qualifications, in relevant or complementary subjects. Each university or regulated apprenticeship provider sets its own requirements, so it\u2019s best to check before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Go straight to university<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer, you can go straight to university full-time before entering the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, you\u2019ll need to decide which area of radiography you\u2019d like to work in. Courses are typically offered in either diagnostic radiography or therapeutic radiography. And it\u2019s important to consider this in detail before you apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many universities request that you\u2019ve visited an imaging or radiotherapy department before offering you a place. Which is quite easy to do since many hospitals hold open days for prospective students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entry requirements for undergraduate degrees are typically five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C). These would include English, maths and a science. You\u2019d also need three A levels including one science subject at least, or a Level 3 equivalent qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already graduated with a relevant first degree, there are fast-track postgraduate qualifications available. These can be taken over two years, so they cut the length of time you need to take to qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, each university is different, so it\u2019s best to check what they accept before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standards and Regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve gained the necessary qualification, you\u2019ll be able to apply for registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radiography is a strictly regulated profession, so UK radiographers must register with the\u00a0Health and Care Professions Council<\/a>. This registration requires you to meet certain standards to practice lawfully, safely and effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also need to meet the standards of the Society of Radiographers’\u00a0Code of Professional Conduct<\/a>. This determines the values and expectations required of radiographers and radiology technicians. Which encompass respect, empowerment, empathy, trustworthiness, integrity and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, as you\u2019ll potentially be working with children and vulnerable adults, you’ll need to pass enhanced background checks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once all these stages have been completed, you\u2019ll be able to practice as a Radiology Technician. With experience, you can work your way into more senior positions or specialist areas. Many Radiographers and Radiology Technicians become Sonography Specialists, Radiography Team Leaders and Consultant Practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also further qualifications you could take to specialise in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n