What books can I read to show I’m interested in diagnostic radiography?

I just need help figuring out what book can I read and put into my personal statement? I’ve only had one work experience at a cath lab but I didn’t know I wanted to do diagnostic radiography at the time so I didn’t pay too much attention to the radiographers but I did find it intriguing nonetheless and after some more research I absolutely though it was the perfect for me but there is not much virtual work experience online for it except from allied healthcare which only has a small amount of information pertaining radiography as a whole. Does anyone know of a virtual work experience or a book specific to diagnostic radiography? I’ve found some people recommending books but those are only for people who want to get a head start when they got their offer confirmed so should I read those books to show my interest or should I read something else? I don’t know what to do in the scenario.
Also, I work a job in the entertainment industry, could I possibly apply transferable skills I learnt from their like patience, time-management, and communication with team members or would it seem irrelevant to the admissions team?

Thank you very much for reading this and I welcome your input! Preferably hoping to hear from uni students for diagnostic radiography but any help is appreciated ☻

Reply 1

offshore-cauldro

14

For books, even if some are aimed at people who already have offers, they can still show your interest and initiative in the field. A good option might be Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Patient Care by Arlene Adler, as it gives a solid overview of diagnostic radiography. For virtual work experience, I’d recommend checking out platforms like ObserveGP or other NHS-related resources, as they sometimes include sections on radiography. Even if the resources are limited, you can highlight what you’ve learned so far and explain how it’s sparked your interest.
As for your job in the entertainment industry, absolutely include the transferable skills! Patience, time-management, and teamwork are highly relevant to healthcare. Just be clear about how they would help you as a radiographer—for example, teamwork could relate to collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and communication is key when working with patients. Admissions teams value unique experiences, so use it to your advantage!

Reply 2

normaw

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

19

Original post by nicetomeatyou

I just need help figuring out what book can I read and put into my personal statement? I’ve only had one work experience at a cath lab but I didn’t know I wanted to do diagnostic radiography at the time so I didn’t pay too much attention to the radiographers but I did find it intriguing nonetheless and after some more research I absolutely though it was the perfect for me but there is not much virtual work experience online for it except from allied healthcare which only has a small amount of information pertaining radiography as a whole. Does anyone know of a virtual work experience or a book specific to diagnostic radiography? I’ve found some people recommending books but those are only for people who want to get a head start when they got their offer confirmed so should I read those books to show my interest or should I read something else? I don’t know what to do in the scenario.
Also, I work a job in the entertainment industry, could I possibly apply transferable skills I learnt from their like patience, time-management, and communication with team members or would it seem irrelevant to the admissions team?

Thank you very much for reading this and I welcome your input! Preferably hoping to hear from uni students for diagnostic radiography but any help is appreciated ☻

Unis tend to look for two things from healthcare applicants - shadowing experience (to show that you understand the role) and public-facing work/volunteering experience (to show that you can interact with the general public). Your job in the entertainment industry is great for the latter. It's not too late to try and get a day or half a day of shadowing experience in a radiography department before the application deadline in January. Contact your local hospitals to arrange this (they are far more open to arranging a day of shadowing than a prolonged period of work experience). Also, search for 'A day in the life of a DR' videos on Youtube that are produced by NHS trusts.

You don't need to be reading books on DR at this stage. Do learn the NHS values and six Cs and try and relate your work experience to them.

https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/nhs-staffing-pool-hub/working-in-healthcare/what-are-the-nhs-values

https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/nhs-staffing-pool-hub/working-in-healthcare/the-6-cs-of-care

The following thread gives good advice for writing a personal statement - scroll down to the section on vocational courses:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6666418

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Look at the 'Skills' section here - Diagnostic radiographer job profile | Prospects.ac.uk
This is what you need to be showing that you have, with examples.
And, that you understand NHS Values - The NHS values | Health Careers
Don't bother 'reading books'.

Reply 4

HellomynameisNev

11

Also, I work a job in the entertainment industry, could I possibly apply transferable skills I learnt from their like patience, time-management, and communication with team members or would it seem irrelevant to the admissions team?

10,000% More than you can imagine.

I'm not going to recommend any textbooks, but I will recommend three general books that I would encourage anyone going into healthcare to read.

With The End In Mind by Dr Kathryn Mannix. This was a profoundly perspective altering book that I wish I'd read 15 years ago. Warning, you will cry. A lot. Everyone should read this, not just those in healthcare
With the End in Mind: How to Live and Die Well: Amazon.co.uk: Mannix, Kathryn: 9780008210915: Books

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. A thoughtful and thought provoking book describing the training and fledgling career of a young brain surgeon.
When Breath Becomes Air: The ultimate moving life-and-death story : Kalanithi, Paul: Amazon.co.uk: Books

This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay. Way, way, way, way, way less bleak than the BBC TV adaptation. Still full of the harsh realities of NHS life, but wrapped in the author's hilarious dark humour.
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor eBook : Kay, Adam: Amazon.co.uk: Books

What books can I read to show I’m interested in diagnostic radiography?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you