Radiographer

As a radiographer in A&E, you will use imaging equipment to look inside a patient’s body to find out if anything is wrong, as well as how advanced or severe the illness or injury might be. For example, you may need to take an X-ray to see if a patient has broken any bones, as well as how severe the breakage is.

Some machines that a radiographer might use include X-rays, ultra-sounds, CT scanners and MRI machines.

There are two types of radiographers:

• Diagnostic Radiographer – who use technology to help investigate and diagnose a patient’s illness or injury.
• Therapeutic Radiographer – who use technology to treat an injury or illness, such as cancer.

As a diagnostic radiographer in A&E, you will consult (discuss) with other members of the multi-disciplinary team about the best treatment going forward for the patient based on what you have discovered.

Radiographers can also be found working across many areas of the NHS including; intensive care units, operating theatres and radiography departments.

To find out what it is like working as a radiographer in the NHS, watch this short video produced by NHS Health Careers.