Healthcare Careers

Therapeutic Radiography

What is it?

Most people know about one kind of radiography – the sort that involves X-rays and other technology for seeing inside our bodies.

Therapeutic radiography is different, but just as worthwhile. It involves working with radiation to treat people who have cancer (and sometimes other diseases).

You work in a team of cancer experts. Together, you plan every part of a patient’s treatment and care. It’s not easy. The radiation must be exactly the right amount, in just the right place.

But how many jobs are there where you work every day with the latest million-pound technology? Better still, six out of ten people who receive radiation treatment for cancer are cured. And you can’t put a price on that.

(To find out about the other kind of radiography, check out Diagnostic Radiography.)

What are the good bits?

• Challenging, technical and scientific
• In charge of millions of pounds’ worth of technology
• When you study Radiography at university, your tuition fees are paid
• Lots of jobs, plus the chance to go into teaching, management, research

What about pay?

£19,000 – £61,000

What skills and interests do I need?

• Interest in science and healthcare
• Caring personality, good communication
• Able to work independently and in teams
• Determined and dedicated

What qualifications/training will I need?

After GCSE exams you need to stay on at school or go to college to study science. A levels, AVCEs and GNVQs are all acceptable. Then you go to university for three years to study Therapeutic Radiography (there’s a different course for Diagnostic Radiography).

Compiled with reference to:
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
www.nobarriers2uni.org

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