You'll need to do a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council to become a radiographer.

Your choice of degree course will depend on whether you want to work in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography.

You may be able to take a fast-track postgraduate qualification over 2 years if you're a health professional or have a relevant degree.

Extra student financial support may be available through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

You can also train as a radiographer in the armed forces. Find out more at:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You may be able to do a Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiographer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of 36 months and is a mix of learning in the workplace and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You can start as a radiography assistant and work your way up to assistant practitioner. With the support of your employer you may then be able to work and study part-time for a radiography degree and professional qualification.

Volunteering in a hospital may give you the chance to speak with radiography staff to help you decide whether you want to train as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and medical procedures
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

As a diagnostic radiographer, you could:

• interpret images of the body to diagnose injury and disease
• screen for abnormalities
• take part in surgical procedures like biopsies

As a therapeutic radiographer, you could:

• work closely with medical specialists to plan treatments
• use x-rays and other radioactive treatments
• assess and monitor patients through treatment and follow-up appointments

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a hospice.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.