Radiography
Frequently
Asked Questions
-
What
can I expect to earn as a qualified radiographer?
-
Will
I be able to work abroad with my degree?
-
How
many graduates can expect to find employment?
-
How
do I choose between diagnostic and therapeutic radiography as
a career?
What
can I expect to earn as a qualified radiographer?
From 1st April
2011 the recommended starting salary for newly qualified staff (Band 5, point 16) is £21,176.
^ to top
Will
I be able to work abroad with my degree?
Qualifications
approved for HPC Registration in the UK (DCR, DSR, BSc Radiography, BSc (Hons) Radiography)
are recognised virtually world wide for the practice of radiography.
However, you will need to make specific enquiries to the appropriate
overseas organisation about the need for state registration and
any other employment requirements. In EU countries, radiography
comes under the Directive on the mutual recognition of qualifications.
In the USA, certification with the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) can be achieved at graduation from an advanced
placement in an accredited programme. In Ontario, Canada, you
will need to pass the of Medical Radiation Technologists
of Ontario (CMRTO) examination to be eligible for registration. In
Australia, you would normally be required to apply for individual
assessment of your qualifications at a cost of $AUD 550.00 per
assessment which may take 12-16 weeks to complete.
^ to top
How
many graduates can expect to find employment?
All recent graduate radiographers
from Queen Margaret University found employment.
^ to top
How
do I choose between diagnostic and therapeutic radiography as a
career?
There are many differences
between these apparently similar careers.
Therapeutic radiography
is classed as an out-patient service, where patients are treated
between 9am and 5pm most of the time, although some units have
a shift system to extend the treatment options. In contrast, diagnostic
radiographers will usually be required to work an on-call service
for emergencies outside these hours on a rota basis.
Radiotherapy services
tend to be concentrated in specialist centres which are usually
in cities, i.e., there are 5 radiotherapy centres in Scotland.
Most hospitals in the UK, however, have a radiology department,
with the more specialised facilities in larger hospitals.
The therapeutic radiographer
is closely involved with individual patient care for the length
of their treatment, which may be delivered daily for several weeks.
Conversely, the diagnostic radiographer may image several patients
with a variety of problems within an hour. The nature and level
of patient contact is very different for the two professions.
Therapeutic radiographers
will always work as part of a team within a radiotherapy centre.
At times, diagnostic radiographers may have to work single-handedly,
e.g., on-call or in small or remote departments.
^ to top
|
