r/RadiographyUK

I have just qualified as a Therapeutic Rad. Throughout my course I became increasingly frustrated at the lack of focus on the skills I actually need as a B5 Rad. The uni were obsessed with academic skills. The lecturers hadn't worked in radiotherapy for years and of course they are very research focused. But this is being reflected in the course they deliver. Almost half of my credits were assignments that were focused on how to do research, with radiotherapy being a secondary focus.

When I raised this with them the response I got was that they needed to prepare us for more senior positions that may involve research. But surely their focus should be on producing good B5s?

I just really feel there's a huge disconnect between the role, which is very practical, very hands-on, very person-centred and the way the university attempts to prepare people for those demands. I'm coming to the conclusion that the degree route just isn't right for this kind of job.

Interestingly some of the best rads I have worked with scraped thirds in their degree. Which then makes me wonder about all the people who might make really good rads but find it blocked because they can't achieve the academic requirements.

Just wondering what others think and if you have similar or different experiences of this.

hi folks, got my first interview soon and I’m very nervous! can you give any advise on what to expect and more importantly what not to say.

I’m worried if they ask me about where I want to be in 5 years I will say the wrong thing

Thank you!

Hi, I am looking to apply for diagnostic radiography at university but have seen a mix of feedback regarding the job market. For those who have qualified, how easy/difficult did you find it to land a job as I thought the number of those qualifying is relatively stable due to being tied to the amount of students hospitals can facilitate on placements. Just hoping for a bit of insight as I thought the course sounds really interesting but have seen a lot of negative comments about the job situation.

Thank you.

So im a type of person who loves being on my own nd also enjoying a bit of socialising aswell and I have heard people sayin radiographers just see the patient do wht they want to and thts it ik we need to talk a bit to the patients but i don't think its much with ur colleagues innit? I hv done some shadowing nd have noticed them just doin their work nd goin home but talkin a bit in between asw?

Any realistic NHS thoughts??

I originally wanted to go into Dental Hygiene and Therapy, but recently I’ve been seriously considering going into Radiography and eventually Sonography as a new career path. The main reason I’m reconsidering dental hygiene is that I personally don’t think I’d enjoy doing the same type of tasks repeatedly. I currently work alongside dental hygienists every week, so I’ve been able to see what the job is actually like day to day. While I really respect the profession, I’m starting to realise that the repetitive nature of the work might not suit me long term and also the physical drain on my body in the future . I’m now looking into radiography because I genuinely enjoy helping people, working with patients and being in a healthcare environment, and I like the idea that the role can involve different situations rather than doing essentially the same procedure throughout the day. Then there’s sonography, which really interests me because I love the idea of using technology to look inside the body and actually help with diagnosing/assessing patients. I also like that it combines healthcare,tech and having to think critically rather than just following the same routine.

I’m still researching everything and haven’t made a final decision yet.
For anyone who works in radiography, sonography or dental hygiene especially in the UK what is your experience actually like day to day? Do you find your work repetitive, or does it have enough variety to keep things interesting?
I’d really appreciate hearing from people who are actually in these professions, especially anyone who has moved from one healthcare career into another.

Hi everyone,

I recently had a standard chest X-ray (I have had quite a few in the past). However this time the technician had me press my chest firmly against the vertical upright detector panel first but the machine was set quite high for my frame. Once I was fully braced tight against it, she activated the motor and moved the panel assembly way down to align it with my chest.

Feeling that massive thing rumble and glide vertically while my chest was pressed flat against the board was not fun. I woke up today with some muscle soreness across my chest wall (though there are zero visible marks, no redness, and no bruising on my skin).

To the radiographers here: is it standard textbook protocol to adjust the vertical height of the Bucky while the patient is actively braced against it? Or did she do the workflow backwards, and it should have been aligned before I stepped up? I'd love to know if this is common or if it was poor technique. Thanks for your insights!