I am a diagnostic radiographer - AMA
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Original post by Hopefuls
I’m in the same boat, except I started working as a newly qualified radiographer for 5 months now and I’m still stressed, didn’t particularly enjoy the degree and even moreso the job and don’t foresee myself doing it in the near future so I’m likely to leave the profession.
What didn't you enjoy about the degree? I'm stuck deciding between radiography and midwifery as I would eventually like to go into obs/gyno sonography.
Original post by Khloeh
What didn't you enjoy about the degree? I'm stuck deciding between radiography and midwifery as I would eventually like to go into obs/gyno sonography.
I just found it boring, I enjoyed the learning and theory part, but not placement at all. I got a first class honours overall so it wasn’t that it was difficult for me. I just simply decided to study Radiography without enough research when I was in sixth form. You might enjoy it though it’s just my personal experience. I do think Radiography will be more useful to study if you want to do sonography though because the undergrad covers ultrasound quite extensively and you go to ultrasound departments throughout your degree on placement to understand what you’re looking at and what to look for. Most ultrasound departments are based within radiology anyways. I don’t know a lot about midwifery so can’t say too much on that just make sure you do your research.
Original post by CoolT
Hey i'm currently a student and have approached the idea of wanting to be a radiographer. I was wondering do you think that in the next lets say 10-15 years this job will be automated as in done by robots?
Hi, apologies for the very late reply, but I'll answer for the benefit of anyone else wondering.
The job will not be fully automated. There are a lot of personal factors to consider in radiography. Each patient comes with unique mobility and capacity challenges that a robot would not be able to deal with. There's a lot of other 'stuff' in the background to consider as well, radiography is not just about taking pretty pictures; the service has to continually develop to stay up to date and meet demand.
Rightly or wrongly, there will be some automation. Already some MRI sequences can be planned automatically, but this doesn't always work, so you need to know what you are doing. It's there to assist rather than take over.
Original post by esham0013
Hi! I want to do this course in 2022. I was wondering how fast can you climb up the bands and can you become a consultant radiographer within 10 years of graduating and how do you get choosen/how does it work?
A lot of it will depend where you work, and what areas you want to work in, as this will affect what opportunities are available to you. Consultant radiographers are still relatively few and far between, and some roles which are considered consultant radiographer roles in some Trusts, will be covered by advanced practitioners in others.
However, to answer your question, a 'typical' pathway is you start at band 5, and band 6 usually comes in 18 months to two years.
Band 7 depends a lot. If you do ultrasound, you start as a band 7 as soon as you are qualified, after doing a PgD. In other areas, you usually (not always) need a formal qualification of some description, or equivalent experience (I do not have a postgrad, as the trust I work in does not send staff on postgrad courses if it doesn't need to, and got my 7 after 7 years qualified).
Consultant radiographers are usually band 8a, which is often the same level as clinical leads in larger departments. So you need to develop into an experienced and well-rounded radiographer to qualify - so you'll be experienced at the clinical side of things, and generally because you'll be the only one with a specific skillset, you'll also need to be good at managing a service as well.
Unfortunately politics gets in the way of radiographer development. Some radiologists hate the title 'consultant radiographer'. I can kind of see why, as it may give layman people the wrong impression, and I'm sure there's a better title that could be used which would more accurately describe the role. The point is that any trust where the radiologist cohort has this view will unlikely ever support consultant radiographer development as you'll be seen as stepping on their toes, and taking work away from them. As a result, consultant radiographers are still few and far between and I doubt there will suddenly be loads in the next few years.
(edited 3 years ago)
Hi!
I've got a diagnostic radiography interview soon with Plymouth, and I have no idea how to prepare! Any tips are much appreciated
What are the pros and cons of your job? What motivated you? What makes diagnostic radiography special (like its unique selling point)?
Thank you for you help!
I've got a diagnostic radiography interview soon with Plymouth, and I have no idea how to prepare! Any tips are much appreciated
What are the pros and cons of your job? What motivated you? What makes diagnostic radiography special (like its unique selling point)?
Thank you for you help!
My partner is a sonographer - he did a postgrad in it after being a radiographer for 9 years. I’m 31 but I’m going back to uni to do just that. It’s hard getting a hospital to agree to send you for ultrasound training as a new radiographer but there are ways and means! Just a little input on where you can go with radiography 🙂
I’m looking into to retraining as a diagnostic radiographer.
1. I’m 39 - too old???!!!
2 . I have a young family. How difficult is it to find work as a part time radiographer when newly qualified? I wouldn’t want to move as the family is settled, husband has a good job etc.
3. What are the shift patterns like in (most) hospitals?
4. Due to having crohns and the medication I take I was clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding during COVID - would the NHS want me?
5. Physics wasn’t my strong point in high school - how hard is the physics? I’m a vet nurse and love the imaging side of my job.
6. Main Pros and Cons
Thanks in Advance 😊
1. I’m 39 - too old???!!!
2 . I have a young family. How difficult is it to find work as a part time radiographer when newly qualified? I wouldn’t want to move as the family is settled, husband has a good job etc.
3. What are the shift patterns like in (most) hospitals?
4. Due to having crohns and the medication I take I was clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding during COVID - would the NHS want me?
5. Physics wasn’t my strong point in high school - how hard is the physics? I’m a vet nurse and love the imaging side of my job.
6. Main Pros and Cons
Thanks in Advance 😊
Firstly, thank you for making this AMA thread on diagnostic radiography because I have found it very useful and interesting.
So 5 questions...…..
1. Was it difficult getting your first job as a radiography?? because some people that I know stated that there was many Bank 7 roles however not many Bank 5 roles for newly qualified radiographers .Also, if this is the case how to I overcome this issue.
2.When applying to university what do they look for in your application and personal statement?
3.why did you choose radiographer and did you ever think of dropping the course if so why??
4.How much of the course is clinical practice?
5. general advice you would give me as a potential radiography student or about work as a radiographer
Once again thank you for you time and effort
So 5 questions...…..
1. Was it difficult getting your first job as a radiography?? because some people that I know stated that there was many Bank 7 roles however not many Bank 5 roles for newly qualified radiographers .Also, if this is the case how to I overcome this issue.
2.When applying to university what do they look for in your application and personal statement?
3.why did you choose radiographer and did you ever think of dropping the course if so why??
4.How much of the course is clinical practice?
5. general advice you would give me as a potential radiography student or about work as a radiographer
Once again thank you for you time and effort
Original post by FXX
Hi all
I thought I'd open up a thread for any questions that anyone has about being a diagnostic radiographer.
About me: I have been qualified for over seven years now and recently got a job as an advanced practitioner in MRI and CT. I still occasionally work in x-ray as well.
I'm happy to answer any questions about the career, whether you are just looking into doing radiography, are currently a student, or perhaps recently qualified and have something on your mind.
This might include things like applying for jobs, Band 5/6/7 interview tips, career options, NHS vs private sector, and so on.
I'm probably less useful at helping with university applications but I'll do my best where I can and I'm sure others will chip in too.
I will try to be as objective and honest as possible as I've always found useful information can be difficult to come by, especially when I was originally applying for the course. I won't just be selling the job onto everyone!
Fire away!
I thought I'd open up a thread for any questions that anyone has about being a diagnostic radiographer.
About me: I have been qualified for over seven years now and recently got a job as an advanced practitioner in MRI and CT. I still occasionally work in x-ray as well.
I'm happy to answer any questions about the career, whether you are just looking into doing radiography, are currently a student, or perhaps recently qualified and have something on your mind.
This might include things like applying for jobs, Band 5/6/7 interview tips, career options, NHS vs private sector, and so on.
I'm probably less useful at helping with university applications but I'll do my best where I can and I'm sure others will chip in too.
I will try to be as objective and honest as possible as I've always found useful information can be difficult to come by, especially when I was originally applying for the course. I won't just be selling the job onto everyone!
Fire away!
I recently applied for a Degree Apprenticeship in Radiography and I really hope I get it. One thing I am wondering is: how often do you deal with patients with challenging behaviour? Do you deal with verbal abuse on a regular basis? Or is it less common in radiography?
Sorry for not checking this thread, maybe I'll turn on email notifications so I don't miss all these posts...
Pros
- technology is interesting and rapidly developing
- I enjoy the physics behind it (but it isn't a central part of the job so don't let this put you off)
- trauma and other acute cases can be fascinating
- different areas to specialise, or you can work cross modality. There are many options for development
Cons
- physically demanding
- demand increases 20% every year but the number of radiographers does not
- if you work outside the cities, the equipment tends to be old and less reliable, which can be frustrating (cramming two lists into one scanner)
- some departments operate truly awful unsociable hours duties
1. Lots of people start radiography in their 30s, definitely not too old as long as you are physically well
2. At this stage, departments will take whoever they can get, full time or part time. Job shares are an option. You could sign up to bank (zero hours) work for full flexibility. You shouldn't need to move to get a job.
3. Depends where you work but tends to be a mix of 7.5, 10 hour and 12 hour duties, covering 24/7.
4. Yes the NHS will take you!
5. The physics is taught from a basic level and you don't need to go into too much detail really. The physics exams go way above what you need to know to do a good job day to day.
6. See above!
1. I qualified in 2012 and it took me four months to land a job. I wasn't prepared to move for a job and there were fewer jobs around. There are loads of jobs now as a lot of radiographers have retired, and demand has gone up a lot since then (as above, 20% a year for 9 years)
2. They want to see you understand what qualities a good radiographer has, what the job involves, and that you are likely to complete the course. The way to approach it is, the universities are not interested in training good radiographers, they just want the funding from having complete cohorts. If people know what they are getting into, they are less likely to drop out.
3. The mix of science and technology attracted me to it. I never considered dropping out because I couldn't think of anything else I'd do instead. I guess my second distant option was optometry but this forum put me off that idea.
4. It should be 50% but each uni does this differently. Some will have equal split through the three years, others have less in the first year and more in the third year. Try to find one that is even throughout the course but the placement should be the most interesting bit and if it isn't you probably aren't on the right course.
5. Getting decent work experience is key, but I know that's difficult right now.
As radiographers we see more patients per day than most other professions. In my experience the abuse comes from people who are challenged in some way - dementia, drunk, drugs, that kind of thing. A few people will come in acting off but this is often because they are nervous, and a good radiographer will identify this and be able to put these patients at ease. Ultimately though, radiography requires patients to be somewhat compliant. If a patient has capacity and is not being compliant, you refuse to image them. If a patient does not have capacity and you cannot image them safely, the team looking after that patient has to think of an alternative.
Original post by ghostmalone
Hi!
I've got a diagnostic radiography interview soon with Plymouth, and I have no idea how to prepare! Any tips are much appreciated
What are the pros and cons of your job? What motivated you? What makes diagnostic radiography special (like its unique selling point)?
Thank you for you help!
I've got a diagnostic radiography interview soon with Plymouth, and I have no idea how to prepare! Any tips are much appreciated
What are the pros and cons of your job? What motivated you? What makes diagnostic radiography special (like its unique selling point)?
Thank you for you help!
Pros
- technology is interesting and rapidly developing
- I enjoy the physics behind it (but it isn't a central part of the job so don't let this put you off)
- trauma and other acute cases can be fascinating
- different areas to specialise, or you can work cross modality. There are many options for development
Cons
- physically demanding
- demand increases 20% every year but the number of radiographers does not
- if you work outside the cities, the equipment tends to be old and less reliable, which can be frustrating (cramming two lists into one scanner)
- some departments operate truly awful unsociable hours duties
Original post by littlewren
I’m looking into to retraining as a diagnostic radiographer.
1. I’m 39 - too old???!!!
2 . I have a young family. How difficult is it to find work as a part time radiographer when newly qualified? I wouldn’t want to move as the family is settled, husband has a good job etc.
3. What are the shift patterns like in (most) hospitals?
4. Due to having crohns and the medication I take I was clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding during COVID - would the NHS want me?
5. Physics wasn’t my strong point in high school - how hard is the physics? I’m a vet nurse and love the imaging side of my job.
6. Main Pros and Cons
Thanks in Advance 😊
1. I’m 39 - too old???!!!
2 . I have a young family. How difficult is it to find work as a part time radiographer when newly qualified? I wouldn’t want to move as the family is settled, husband has a good job etc.
3. What are the shift patterns like in (most) hospitals?
4. Due to having crohns and the medication I take I was clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding during COVID - would the NHS want me?
5. Physics wasn’t my strong point in high school - how hard is the physics? I’m a vet nurse and love the imaging side of my job.
6. Main Pros and Cons
Thanks in Advance 😊
1. Lots of people start radiography in their 30s, definitely not too old as long as you are physically well
2. At this stage, departments will take whoever they can get, full time or part time. Job shares are an option. You could sign up to bank (zero hours) work for full flexibility. You shouldn't need to move to get a job.
3. Depends where you work but tends to be a mix of 7.5, 10 hour and 12 hour duties, covering 24/7.
4. Yes the NHS will take you!
5. The physics is taught from a basic level and you don't need to go into too much detail really. The physics exams go way above what you need to know to do a good job day to day.
6. See above!
Original post by kitkad
Firstly, thank you for making this AMA thread on diagnostic radiography because I have found it very useful and interesting.
So 5 questions...…..
1. Was it difficult getting your first job as a radiography?? because some people that I know stated that there was many Bank 7 roles however not many Bank 5 roles for newly qualified radiographers .Also, if this is the case how to I overcome this issue.
2.When applying to university what do they look for in your application and personal statement?
3.why did you choose radiographer and did you ever think of dropping the course if so why??
4.How much of the course is clinical practice?
5. general advice you would give me as a potential radiography student or about work as a radiographer
Once again thank you for you time and effort
So 5 questions...…..
1. Was it difficult getting your first job as a radiography?? because some people that I know stated that there was many Bank 7 roles however not many Bank 5 roles for newly qualified radiographers .Also, if this is the case how to I overcome this issue.
2.When applying to university what do they look for in your application and personal statement?
3.why did you choose radiographer and did you ever think of dropping the course if so why??
4.How much of the course is clinical practice?
5. general advice you would give me as a potential radiography student or about work as a radiographer
Once again thank you for you time and effort
1. I qualified in 2012 and it took me four months to land a job. I wasn't prepared to move for a job and there were fewer jobs around. There are loads of jobs now as a lot of radiographers have retired, and demand has gone up a lot since then (as above, 20% a year for 9 years)
2. They want to see you understand what qualities a good radiographer has, what the job involves, and that you are likely to complete the course. The way to approach it is, the universities are not interested in training good radiographers, they just want the funding from having complete cohorts. If people know what they are getting into, they are less likely to drop out.
3. The mix of science and technology attracted me to it. I never considered dropping out because I couldn't think of anything else I'd do instead. I guess my second distant option was optometry but this forum put me off that idea.
4. It should be 50% but each uni does this differently. Some will have equal split through the three years, others have less in the first year and more in the third year. Try to find one that is even throughout the course but the placement should be the most interesting bit and if it isn't you probably aren't on the right course.
5. Getting decent work experience is key, but I know that's difficult right now.
Original post by camcole44
I recently applied for a Degree Apprenticeship in Radiography and I really hope I get it. One thing I am wondering is: how often do you deal with patients with challenging behaviour? Do you deal with verbal abuse on a regular basis? Or is it less common in radiography?
As radiographers we see more patients per day than most other professions. In my experience the abuse comes from people who are challenged in some way - dementia, drunk, drugs, that kind of thing. A few people will come in acting off but this is often because they are nervous, and a good radiographer will identify this and be able to put these patients at ease. Ultimately though, radiography requires patients to be somewhat compliant. If a patient has capacity and is not being compliant, you refuse to image them. If a patient does not have capacity and you cannot image them safely, the team looking after that patient has to think of an alternative.
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by username5093032
I recently applied for a Degree Apprenticeship in Radiography and I really hope I get it. One thing I am wondering is: how often do you deal with patients with challenging behaviour? Do you deal with verbal abuse on a regular basis? Or is it less common in radiography?
Hello idk if u still use this account. I'm hoping to do radiography apprenticeship this September. How do u find it. I'm really worried I'll have no time for student life. I'm unsure what I wnat to do in life so just decided on radiograohy, do u find it interesting or is it just button pushing?
Original post by FXX
Hi all
I thought I'd open up a thread for any questions that anyone has about being a diagnostic radiographer.
About me: I have been qualified for over seven years now and recently got a job as an advanced practitioner in MRI and CT. I still occasionally work in x-ray as well.
I'm happy to answer any questions about the career, whether you are just looking into doing radiography, are currently a student, or perhaps recently qualified and have something on your mind.
This might include things like applying for jobs, Band 5/6/7 interview tips, career options, NHS vs private sector, and so on.
I'm probably less useful at helping with university applications but I'll do my best where I can and I'm sure others will chip in too.
I will try to be as objective and honest as possible as I've always found useful information can be difficult to come by, especially when I was originally applying for the course. I won't just be selling the job onto everyone!
Fire away!
I thought I'd open up a thread for any questions that anyone has about being a diagnostic radiographer.
About me: I have been qualified for over seven years now and recently got a job as an advanced practitioner in MRI and CT. I still occasionally work in x-ray as well.
I'm happy to answer any questions about the career, whether you are just looking into doing radiography, are currently a student, or perhaps recently qualified and have something on your mind.
This might include things like applying for jobs, Band 5/6/7 interview tips, career options, NHS vs private sector, and so on.
I'm probably less useful at helping with university applications but I'll do my best where I can and I'm sure others will chip in too.
I will try to be as objective and honest as possible as I've always found useful information can be difficult to come by, especially when I was originally applying for the course. I won't just be selling the job onto everyone!
Fire away!
Hi! I know this thread was opened ages ago but I hope you won't mind me asking some questions.
So, I was just wondering how difficult is it to become a consultant radiographer. How many years does it take? Do you have to do other courses apart from your undergraduate BSc Diagnostic Radiography course? If so, what courses do you need to do?
Also, if you don't mind me asking are you still working as an advanced practitioner?
Also, when you work night shifts or weekends or public holidays or overtime do you get more money? Sorry if it seems a bit shallow to ask about money when I haven't even started the course yet!
Original post by lamiyak0002
Hi! I know this thread was opened ages ago but I hope you won't mind me asking some questions.
So, I was just wondering how difficult is it to become a consultant radiographer. How many years does it take? Do you have to do other courses apart from your undergraduate BSc Diagnostic Radiography course? If so, what courses do you need to do?
Also, if you don't mind me asking are you still working as an advanced practitioner?
Also, when you work night shifts or weekends or public holidays or overtime do you get more money? Sorry if it seems a bit shallow to ask about money when I haven't even started the course yet!
So, I was just wondering how difficult is it to become a consultant radiographer. How many years does it take? Do you have to do other courses apart from your undergraduate BSc Diagnostic Radiography course? If so, what courses do you need to do?
Also, if you don't mind me asking are you still working as an advanced practitioner?
Also, when you work night shifts or weekends or public holidays or overtime do you get more money? Sorry if it seems a bit shallow to ask about money when I haven't even started the course yet!
Hi there. I'm trying to log in every now and again in case there are more questions here. To try and answer yours:
Consultant radiographers are few and far between. They tend to be very specific roles which not all departments need filling. There are a few facets to it:
- there has to be a service need that can't be fulfilled with existing staffing, nor can it be recruited into
- you need to be adequately experienced to undertake training in a specialist area
- you need to have support from within the department, I would expect the bare minimum would be 1) clinical lead radiologist 2) a consultant radiologist who can act as a mentor for the clinical side of things 3) a business/service manager and 4) lead radiographer
- consultant radiographers are their own managers in that they need to put forward a business case to start a service, write and justify their own job description, write up all policies and protocols related to the service, and put in safeguards and self-audit tools in place, with evidence, to ensure the service remains up to date and safe
- every now and then you'll need to demonstrate that the service you offer is a good use of public money, as the hospital will have a finite budget and often look to move money around from less essential services
In terms of time to get there, it depends where you work, and what support you can get.
My personal view, I think the job title is stopping the role being adopted more widely. If you introduce yourself as a consultant radiographer you sound like a very experienced doctor, which you are not. Hopefully one day they change the name and we see more role extension options become available.
I still work as an advanced practitioner. I don't see myself going up into a management role.
Yes you get more money for unsocial hours. Band 5 NHS will get 1.3x for nights and Saturdays, 1.6x for Sundays, and 1.6x + day in leiu for bank holidays. "Overtime" depends on the trust - where I work it's 1.5x if you're covering sickness at short notice. Other extra duties go out as bank, which is 1.12x your basic pay (0.12 is in leiu of additional annual leave).
Original post by FXX
Hi there. I'm trying to log in every now and again in case there are more questions here. To try and answer yours:
Consultant radiographers are few and far between. They tend to be very specific roles which not all departments need filling. There are a few facets to it:
- there has to be a service need that can't be fulfilled with existing staffing, nor can it be recruited into
- you need to be adequately experienced to undertake training in a specialist area
- you need to have support from within the department, I would expect the bare minimum would be 1) clinical lead radiologist 2) a consultant radiologist who can act as a mentor for the clinical side of things 3) a business/service manager and 4) lead radiographer
- consultant radiographers are their own managers in that they need to put forward a business case to start a service, write and justify their own job description, write up all policies and protocols related to the service, and put in safeguards and self-audit tools in place, with evidence, to ensure the service remains up to date and safe
- every now and then you'll need to demonstrate that the service you offer is a good use of public money, as the hospital will have a finite budget and often look to move money around from less essential services
In terms of time to get there, it depends where you work, and what support you can get.
My personal view, I think the job title is stopping the role being adopted more widely. If you introduce yourself as a consultant radiographer you sound like a very experienced doctor, which you are not. Hopefully one day they change the name and we see more role extension options become available.
I still work as an advanced practitioner. I don't see myself going up into a management role.
Yes you get more money for unsocial hours. Band 5 NHS will get 1.3x for nights and Saturdays, 1.6x for Sundays, and 1.6x + day in leiu for bank holidays. "Overtime" depends on the trust - where I work it's 1.5x if you're covering sickness at short notice. Other extra duties go out as bank, which is 1.12x your basic pay (0.12 is in leiu of additional annual leave).
Consultant radiographers are few and far between. They tend to be very specific roles which not all departments need filling. There are a few facets to it:
- there has to be a service need that can't be fulfilled with existing staffing, nor can it be recruited into
- you need to be adequately experienced to undertake training in a specialist area
- you need to have support from within the department, I would expect the bare minimum would be 1) clinical lead radiologist 2) a consultant radiologist who can act as a mentor for the clinical side of things 3) a business/service manager and 4) lead radiographer
- consultant radiographers are their own managers in that they need to put forward a business case to start a service, write and justify their own job description, write up all policies and protocols related to the service, and put in safeguards and self-audit tools in place, with evidence, to ensure the service remains up to date and safe
- every now and then you'll need to demonstrate that the service you offer is a good use of public money, as the hospital will have a finite budget and often look to move money around from less essential services
In terms of time to get there, it depends where you work, and what support you can get.
My personal view, I think the job title is stopping the role being adopted more widely. If you introduce yourself as a consultant radiographer you sound like a very experienced doctor, which you are not. Hopefully one day they change the name and we see more role extension options become available.
I still work as an advanced practitioner. I don't see myself going up into a management role.
Yes you get more money for unsocial hours. Band 5 NHS will get 1.3x for nights and Saturdays, 1.6x for Sundays, and 1.6x + day in leiu for bank holidays. "Overtime" depends on the trust - where I work it's 1.5x if you're covering sickness at short notice. Other extra duties go out as bank, which is 1.12x your basic pay (0.12 is in leiu of additional annual leave).
Hello, thanks for all your contribution on this thread, quick question, I'm about to start MSc diagnostic radiography pre registration January 2024:
1. I'm very much concerned at how easy it is to get jobs after graduation as I've been hearing it can take a while to get first job and there aren't much jobs around as I've search on the internet. i did a quick search on NHS jobsite for radiography in London within 5 miles and it bring up only 12 jobs with more than half of it band 6 upwards, same search on nursing brings up over 1000 jobs, same search criteria.
2. apart from specialising, on a modality , what are the different career progression available, compared to nursing where u can work in different setting.
3. flexible working, is there loads of bank shift/agency work with zero hours , do you idea of wages for bank shifts /part time shift as compared with working direct with hospitals, unlike nursing where there are thousands of bank shifts everyday where you can work any hours, even one day a month if u like and pay upwards of £40 for agency staff.
apologies for my comparison with nursing as I'm still trying to decide if to go for mental health nursing or diagnostics radiography, hence my comparison.
Thanks
Original post by Unknownnnnnnnnnn
Hello, thanks for all your contribution on this thread, quick question, I'm about to start MSc diagnostic radiography pre registration January 2024:
1. I'm very much concerned at how easy it is to get jobs after graduation as I've been hearing it can take a while to get first job and there aren't much jobs around as I've search on the internet. i did a quick search on NHS jobsite for radiography in London within 5 miles and it bring up only 12 jobs with more than half of it band 6 upwards, same search on nursing brings up over 1000 jobs, same search criteria.
2. apart from specialising, on a modality , what are the different career progression available, compared to nursing where u can work in different setting.
3. flexible working, is there loads of bank shift/agency work with zero hours , do you idea of wages for bank shifts /part time shift as compared with working direct with hospitals, unlike nursing where there are thousands of bank shifts everyday where you can work any hours, even one day a month if u like and pay upwards of £40 for agency staff.
apologies for my comparison with nursing as I'm still trying to decide if to go for mental health nursing or diagnostics radiography, hence my comparison.
Thanks
1. I'm very much concerned at how easy it is to get jobs after graduation as I've been hearing it can take a while to get first job and there aren't much jobs around as I've search on the internet. i did a quick search on NHS jobsite for radiography in London within 5 miles and it bring up only 12 jobs with more than half of it band 6 upwards, same search on nursing brings up over 1000 jobs, same search criteria.
2. apart from specialising, on a modality , what are the different career progression available, compared to nursing where u can work in different setting.
3. flexible working, is there loads of bank shift/agency work with zero hours , do you idea of wages for bank shifts /part time shift as compared with working direct with hospitals, unlike nursing where there are thousands of bank shifts everyday where you can work any hours, even one day a month if u like and pay upwards of £40 for agency staff.
apologies for my comparison with nursing as I'm still trying to decide if to go for mental health nursing or diagnostics radiography, hence my comparison.
Thanks
Hi there
1. This time of year is probably the worst to look for band 5 jobs, especially in London. New graduates tend to start August-September time and unlikely any will leave so soon to open up more band 5 positions. London is a pretty unique part of the country in that so many graduates will move to London for the opportunity to work and live there so probably doesn't follow the trend of the rest of the country.
2. Management, sales, apps specialist, there are roles related to PACS. Lots of CT and MRI scanners loaded up in the back of lorries that move around. Ultrasound offers the best options for working outside a hospital while remaining clinical, and it pays well
3. Bank work depends on individual hospitals, this is paid at standard AFC rates and is controlled in house. For locum work offered via an agency, if you are prepared to go anywhere in the country there are 100s of positions.
Original post by FXX
Hi there
1. This time of year is probably the worst to look for band 5 jobs, especially in London. New graduates tend to start August-September time and unlikely any will leave so soon to open up more band 5 positions. London is a pretty unique part of the country in that so many graduates will move to London for the opportunity to work and live there so probably doesn't follow the trend of the rest of the country.
2. Management, sales, apps specialist, there are roles related to PACS. Lots of CT and MRI scanners loaded up in the back of lorries that move around. Ultrasound offers the best options for working outside a hospital while remaining clinical, and it pays well
3. Bank work depends on individual hospitals, this is paid at standard AFC rates and is controlled in house. For locum work offered via an agency, if you are prepared to go anywhere itganka n the country there are 100s of positions.
1. This time of year is probably the worst to look for band 5 jobs, especially in London. New graduates tend to start August-September time and unlikely any will leave so soon to open up more band 5 positions. London is a pretty unique part of the country in that so many graduates will move to London for the opportunity to work and live there so probably doesn't follow the trend of the rest of the country.
2. Management, sales, apps specialist, there are roles related to PACS. Lots of CT and MRI scanners loaded up in the back of lorries that move around. Ultrasound offers the best options for working outside a hospital while remaining clinical, and it pays well
3. Bank work depends on individual hospitals, this is paid at standard AFC rates and is controlled in house. For locum work offered via an agency, if you are prepared to go anywhere itganka n the country there are 100s of positions.
Thanks for the detailed reply. So.its safe to say its going to be competitive getting that first job then and probably take a little while as well, I think I might go for the mental health nursing instead.
Original post by FXX
Hi all
I thought I'd open up a thread for any questions that anyone has about being a diagnostic radiographer.
About me: I have been qualified for over seven years now and recently got a job as an advanced practitioner in MRI and CT. I still occasionally work in x-ray as well.
I'm happy to answer any questions about the career, whether you are just looking into doing radiography, are currently a student, or perhaps recently qualified and have something on your mind.
This might include things like applying for jobs, Band 5/6/7 interview tips, career options, NHS vs private sector, and so on.
I'm probably less useful at helping with university applications but I'll do my best where I can and I'm sure others will chip in too.
I will try to be as objective and honest as possible as I've always found useful information can be difficult to come by, especially when I was originally applying for the course. I won't just be selling the job onto everyone!
Fire away!
I thought I'd open up a thread for any questions that anyone has about being a diagnostic radiographer.
About me: I have been qualified for over seven years now and recently got a job as an advanced practitioner in MRI and CT. I still occasionally work in x-ray as well.
I'm happy to answer any questions about the career, whether you are just looking into doing radiography, are currently a student, or perhaps recently qualified and have something on your mind.
This might include things like applying for jobs, Band 5/6/7 interview tips, career options, NHS vs private sector, and so on.
I'm probably less useful at helping with university applications but I'll do my best where I can and I'm sure others will chip in too.
I will try to be as objective and honest as possible as I've always found useful information can be difficult to come by, especially when I was originally applying for the course. I won't just be selling the job onto everyone!
Fire away!
Can you spell Stun Amongus backwards?
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