Therapeutic Radiographer: Duties, Pay, and How to Become One

Therapeutic radiographers administer radiation treatment to patients facing life-threatening conditions like cancer. Pairing medical knowledge with an expert understanding of the equipment used to provide radiation treatment, therapeutic radiographers play a critical role in treating and supporting patients as they face a diagnosis that will likely impact their lives greatly. 

If you’re an empathetic and detail-oriented individual looking to enter a patient-facing healthcare profession, a career as a therapeutic radiographer could align well with your goals and interests. Additionally, a shortage of therapeutic radiographers exists in the UK, so pursuing this profession can improve your future job prospects. 

Learn more about therapeutic radiographers, including what they do, how much they earn, and the background and skills you’ll need to become one. 

What is a therapeutic radiographer??

Therapeutic radiographers are healthcare professionals who provide radiation treatment to patients suffering from health conditions like cancer and thyroid disease. 

As critical members of an oncology team, therapeutic radiographers operate special machinery such as an X-ray machine, a CT scanner, or a linear accelerator (LINAC) to use radiation to treat cancerous tumours. Essentially, you use radiation beams in the form of photons, protons, or electrons to attack the cancer cells. Furthermore, healthcare professionals working with radiation must also wear dosimeter badges to track their radiation exposure and keep it within safe levels. 

What does a therapeutic radiographer do?

While working as a therapeutic radiographer, you are primarily focused on treating cancer and other diseases, but you must also perform many other duties in your day-to-day work. A therapeutic radiographer’s typical duties can vary day-to-day and may include: 

• Provide and explain individualised treatment plans to patients and answer any questions.

• Identify tumours and position the body of a patient with cancer correctly to ensure they receive proper treatment.

• Operate and calibrate special equipment to administer radiation treatment.  

• Follow proper protocol to ensure patients and medical staff don’t receive improper radiation exposure.

• Educate patients on treatment side effects and advise them on alleviating their symptoms. 

• Develop a rapport with patients and their families to establish trust.

• Maintain detailed records on patient progress.  

Where do therapeutic radiographers work?

NHS hospitals employ most therapeutic radiographers, but you may also work in private hospitals, clinics, or research institutions. As a result, therapeutic radiographers may work 37.5 hours per week, including nights and weekends. However, part-time options are available.  

Therapeutic radiographer salary and job outlook 

According to Glassdoor UK, the average annual salary for therapeutic radiographers is £31,603. The average base pay for this profession varies from £27,000 to £37,000 per year, not considering factors such as years of experience, which affect these averages [1].

Job prospects appear promising because the demand for therapeutic radiographers is high. The UK faces a national shortage of therapeutic radiographers in many areas and specialisations. As a result, job growth will likely expand in the years to come with advancements in cancer treatment and technological advancements in targeted radiation. 

How to become a therapeutic radiographer 

To become a therapeutic radiographer, you need to earn an undergraduate degree in therapeutic radiography, which can take three to four years of full-time work. You can also earn a radiotherapy degree part-time, and going this route typically takes around six years. A postgraduate degree is another option. To practice in this profession, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and gain practical experience to build essential skills.

Consider these steps you’ll likely need to take to start working as a therapeutic radiographer in the real world: 

1. Gain the proper credentials 

To qualify for a position as a therapeutic radiographer, you must possess a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic radiography, also known as radiotherapy. If you acquire an undergraduate degree in a science-related field, you can take a two-year postgraduate course. Whether a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, you want to ensure the HCPC approves the programme. Another option to meet the educational credentials for this position is through an apprenticeship programme.  

2. Earn occupational health clearance

Prospective therapeutic radiographers will likely need to meet qualifications to gain occupational health clearance. The purpose of achieving health clearance is to ensure you don’t pass an illness to a patient with a compromised immune system. Prepare to pass criminal record checks and an exam for occupational health clearance. 

3. Get registered 

Therapeutic radiographers must register with the HCPC to practice legally in the UK. Though optional, you might also consider joining the Society of Radiographers (SOR), a trade union for radiography professionals. 

4. Develop your skills 

As a therapeutic radiographer, you must possess knowledge of human anatomy, health, and the specialised medical equipment you will use daily to provide life-saving treatments. Once you meet all the required credentials, it’s time to gain professional experience and develop the skills you’ll use daily as a therapeutic radiographer. 

Therapeutic radiographers must also embody several essential workplace skills to ensure they provide the best treatment possible and emotionally support patients as they face a potentially life-threatening illness. Some common interpersonal skills you’ll need to be a successful therapeutic radiographer include: 

• Attention to detail: As a therapeutic radiographer, you must be detail-oriented to ensure that patients receive the exact amount of radiation in the precise spot they need it. 

• Empathy: You will need to empathise with your patients to ensure they feel supported as they undergo treatment. 

• Communication: Part of your work as a therapeutic radiographer involves communicating treatment plans clearly to patients and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure your patients’ needs are met.

Prepare for your future as a radiation therapist 

As a therapeutic radiographer, you’ll ensure patients with medical conditions get the necessary care. If this impactful healthcare job calls out to you, you might consider taking a cost-effective online course on Coursera to discover more. 

In the University of Sydney’s Life, Health, and Radiation course on Coursera, you’ll explore X-rays, where they come from, their risks, and their benefits.

In the University of Michigan’s Anatomy Specialisation, also on Coursera, you’ll uncover the foundations of human anatomy, including the major organ systems, their functions, and relationships within the body.