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Curtis, Therapeutic Radiographer

Therapeutic Radiographer

As a Therapeutic Radiographer, you’ll help people diagnosed with cancer. You’ll collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create individual treatment plans for people. Blending technical expertise with emotional support, you’ll deliver accurate treatments – and hope – to patients and their carers.

XS Icon Salary range £24,214+
XS Icon Hours  37.5 hours a week
XS Icon Pattern Usually regular hours, but some shift work
may be needed

ICON XS Circle Therapeutic Radiographer is a shortage specialism. Courses at English universities attract an additional £1,000 per year to study on top of the minimum £5,000 study grant. Learn morePath

Role details

As a Therapeutic Radiographer, you’ll be part of a team helping people who are dealing with cancer. Based in a hospital, you’ll use some of the most complex and advanced technology to treat tumours. From taking an initial X-ray, to using a CT scanner or a linear accelerator, you’ll be comfortable with all kinds of technology.

This isn’t just a role for the technologically-minded. Along with planning and delivering treatments, you’ll offer emotional support to patients and their carers. You’ll need an easy-going manner to reassure patients nervous about their treatment. You’ll also be central to a wider multidisciplinary team, working and consulting with colleagues across various departments.

There are opportunities to progress your career. For instance, you could specialise in certain cancers or the application of new, emerging technologies such as proton beam therapy. You could move into management, and there are also chances to work overseas.

Qualities needed

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Confident with, and curious about, new technology.

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A good communicator, able to switch between talking to peers and patients.

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Compassionate and able to support patients through a worrying time.

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Excellent observation skills, and safety-conscious.

“Being able to see them get all the way through the treatment is something that’s really satisfying.”

Curtis, Therapeutic Radiographer

What makes being a Therapeutic Radiographer special?

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Work with patients and colleagues to design treatment programmes, and support patients until their treatment ends.

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Build up a genuine relationship with patients, mixing emotional support with technical expertise.

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Watching patients make progress and seeing them improve is tremendously rewarding.

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You’ll be a key part of a wider, integrated team, working with and advising other healthcare professionals to create holistic care for those in need.

How to become a Therapeutic Radiographer

To become a Therapeutic Radiographer, you must first successfully complete an approved degree or Masters in Radiotherapy. It’s also possible to become a Therapeutic Radiographer through an Apprenticeship.

Degree Duration

4 years full time

Once you’ve successfully completed your degree you must register with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can start practicing.


Entry requirements

  • Two or three A levels, including physics, chemistry or biology/human biology
  • Five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science
  • Equivalent qualifications:
    • A BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science
    • A relevant NVQ
    • A science-based access course
    • Equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

Postgraduate Studies

It’s possible to gain a Masters in one to two years after successfully completing your degree.


Application period

There are opportunities to apply throughout the year, with September through to January being the busiest months. During February to October, UCAS Extra and Clearing applications are open, where universities look to fill in any course vacancies.

Keep in mind that individual universities may also set their own deadlines during this period.

Find a Therapeutic Radiography degree using the UCAS Course FinderPath

Apprenticeships

Training through an Apprenticeship is another way to become a Therapeutic Radiographer. You’ll need to apply for an apprentice position with a healthcare provider.

Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while gaining a qualification. Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees for your apprenticeship, meaning apprenticeships are not eligible for student finance.

Vacancies can be found on the NHS Jobs websitePath and Find an Apprenticeship websitePath

Therapeutic Radiographer Desktop 2

Curtis, Therapeutic Radiographer