NHS Royal Devon | Radiographers

Radiographers

Explore this role:

Working with us
Career routes
What does a career pathway look like?
Training
Next steps
Preceptorship
Experienced Radiographers
Case study
Salary
Video

A career in Radiology is exhilarating, not only will you be working with state-of-the-art equipment and keeping track of the latest advances in technology, you’ll also be making a huge difference to people’s lives every single day.

It’s a brilliant career for those who want to combine their passion for healthcare with their technical prowess. We have diagnostic departments based at both of our busy acute hospitals, and our team is made up of a wide range of professionals including Radiologists, Radiographers, Sonographers, Nurses and Radiology Department Assistants (RDA’s).

We go the extra mile to support our staff, and we make sure clinical supervision is available for colleagues at every stage, whether you are a Student Radiographer taking your first steps into a new career, or a returning Radiographer settling back into their dream role.

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What is it like to work at the Royal Devon?

We are here for you every step of the way, and our busy and compassionate team offers huge potential for development with opportunities for apprenticeships, continued professional learning and advanced practice. Work is exhilarating, fast-paced and full of variety thanks to an excellent rotations through general x-ray, fluoroscopy, interventional, CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography and DEXA.

You’ll also discover new environments as you work across Radiology departments and at community hospitals. Postgraduate education and continuing professional development (CPD) is actively encouraged in the department. A regular CPD programme is provided with a variety of speakers, including radiographers, as well as clinicians and other speakers from around the Trust, providing a good source of continued learning.

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Becoming a Radiographer at the Royal Devon

How do I train to become a Radiographer?

The first step to becoming a Radiographer is to take a degree level programme approved by the HCPC. This may be full-time or part-time if you are working in a relevant role. Once you have qualified, you will need to register with the HCPC, then you can start a Band 5 Registered Radiographer role.

Training and development UCAS

Newly qualified Radiographers

To become a Registered Radiographer, you will need a relevant degree. This can be achieved via an apprenticeship when working as a Assistant Practitioner. Once qualified, you will need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Other routes into Radiography

Another potential career route will see you grow from a Healthcare Support Worker, gaining relevant qualifications and experience along the way. We will support you on your journey, providing opportunities to achieve qualifications as you progress along your ideal career route.

Support Worker Assistant Practitioner Nursing Associate

What does a career pathway look like?

There are so many ways to achieve a fulfilling and rewarding career as a Radiographer. You may be starting afresh and looking for a brand new role, or perhaps you have dedicated a few years to other goals and are looking to return to practice. If you are interested in developing your role, we have a wealth of opportunities you can harness too.

To help you on your way, we produced a brochure to kick start your career with us.

Download our brochure

Your bespoke learning journey

You’ll be supported to create your own personal development plan. This is used to identify your individual training needs, which can be met from the wide range of learning opportunities available such as clinical skills, management development, coaching and mentoring, IT skills and much more.

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Advancing your career

Registered Radiographers

Qualifying as a Radiographer is an exciting time and there are so many things you can do to continue your professional development. This could mean moving through pay bands as you gain experience, or focusing on a specialism you are interested in such as orthopedics, paediatrics or particular types of cancer.

We have funding available for your continued professional development, with pathways that can open up progression into advanced practitioner and Consultant Radiographer roles.

Training and development

Radiology Nurse

The first step to becoming a Band 5 or Band 6 Radiology Nurse is to take a degree programme approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Once you have qualified, you will need to register with the NMC and begin your Preceptorship year as a Newly Qualified Nurse. As your career progresses and you gain experience, you’ll be able to train to become a specialist in Radiology.

Nurse

Advanced Clinical Practitioners and Consultant Radiographers

Advanced Clinical Practitioners or Consultants (band 8s) are educated to Master’s level and have developed the skills and knowledge to allow them to take on expanded roles and scope of practice caring for patients. These roles will see you take on increased responsibility in your job roles as well as delivering expert clinical practice, professional leadership, education, training, research and evaluation.

You’ll need to complete a Master’s Degree Level 7 qualification in your chosen subject. You’ll receive lots of guidance and support whilst you do so. There is now a level seven (master’s level) apprenticeship in advanced clinical practice available, which can be funded through the apprenticeship levy. You can learn more about this on the Health Education England website.

Advanced and enhanced practice Advanced practice toolkit

Preceptiorship programme

Whether you are newly qualified, joining us from outside the UK, or returning to practice, our Preceptorship Programme will help you find your feet so you feel as confident and competent as possible.

The structured programme consists of a series of study days, after which you will apply theory to practice and hone the skills you have learned as you gain experience within your clinical area. These study days are spread over the course of a year.

Find out more

Experienced Radiographers

Return to Practice

The Royal Devon can offer you fully-funded Return to Practice routes back into Radiography. We’ll give you dedicated time to care, providing a bespoke support package to help you on your way. We'll guide you through the process of re-registering with the HCPC and empower you to achieve the required criteria.

Return to practice

Overseas

If you’re interested in bringing your skills to England, you’ve come to the right place. When you work with us, you’ll join our passionate team and enjoy job security, a competitive salary and flexible hours.

Overseas

Case study

Misha Mariam Josepth, Overseas Radiographer

I had been working in India, in one of the best private medical colleges in Kerala, for about three years. I also had Radiology experience before starting my profession. I chose to be a radiographer because I liked patient care, and I enjoyed being technologically active in the medical field.

My major decision for choosing this role was my mother, who had carcinoma of the lung. I had an interest in helping other patients with the same pain. I feel satisfied seeing the impact I can make within my role. In Radiology, I enjoy communicating with patients and providing care. Seeing their progress when they come back for follow-up care is rewarding, and I like keeping up to date with new technologies.

I enjoy sharing knowledge with my peers. I enjoy being in the UK, especially working at the Royal Devon. It’s an awesome experience, and I feel supported and cared for at all times. My colleagues and seniors are so helpful, and I never feel left out. This is something that feels very important having relocated.

Radiology is a great option to choose!

What can I expect to get paid?

Agenda for change

Known as ‘Agenda for Change’, NHS pay is structured around different bandings for a fair and transparent pay structure. Levels of pay vary within each band according to experience. As your career develops, you can expect to earn more and move to the top of your pay banding before working your way up to the next one.

Radiology Support Workers, Associates and Trainee Assistant Practitioners are usually within Bands 2 to 4
Qualified Radiographers usually start within Band 5 or 6
Consultant Radiographers and Advanced Practitioners can climb all the way up to Band 7 or 8

Agenda for change

Watch

Watch: working as a Radiographer

Welcome back

Mentoring, requalifying, and re-registration are all covered in our generous Return to Practice package at the Royal Devon.

Work flexibly

Choose your shifts to suit your needs, apply to join our Staff Bank.