Diagnostic Radiographers
(Also known as/ Xray technicians / Medical Radiation technologist/ MRT )
This includes all specialties such as Computed Tomography (CT ), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI ), and Mammography.
It seems that there have never been sufficient Radiographers in the United Kingdom and things are certainly no better for many Xray and Imaging Departments today
Of course that is good news for any qualified Radiographer, who has the opportunity to pick and choose their own working environment.
What Qualifications are required ?
Every profession has its own qualification requirements
and you should not assume that a qualification
which works in one country will necessarily suit another.
The current UK National Qualification for Diagnostic Radiographers is a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent. This replaced the former Diploma of the College of Radiographers( DRC ) R some years ago.
In order to obtain State Registration, any foreign qualification must be judged equivalent by The National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) and subsequently the HPC
A post graduate qualification may be required in order to work in a particular speciality, although often such qualifications are at an under graduate level.
Do I need to be be Registered to work as a Diagnostic Radiographer in the UK ?
YES .
There is mandatory State Registration for the Radiographer in the United Kingdom, currently provided through the offices of the Health Professions Council (HPC). It is not possible to obtain work in any Imaging / Xray / Radiology / Radiography Department, as a Radiographer without their certification.
It has long been recognised that the public is in a vulnerable position whilst relying on the services of a Healthcare Professional..
For this reason State Registration, through the "Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine", was introduced for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Radiographers, as a means of ensuring that only suitably qualified and competent individuals are permitted to practice with in the United Kingdom.
After many years service, the CPSM has now officially handed over its statutory responsibilities to a new body - the Health Professions Council, Which now maintains the state register.
The HPC will review the Registration of Practitioners regularly to ensure that only those individuals who are able to provide evidence of maintaining their professional competence through active Continual Professional Development (CPD) will remain on the list.
To Download an Application Form for HPC registration Click Here.
In Some instances , foreign qualifications will need to be assessed and compared to the UK equivalent before being able to be registered with the HPC .
One of the primary purposes of the UK NARIC is to give information and advice on the comparability of overseas qualifications with those from the UK.
Contact our offices to see if it will be necessary to make an application to UK NARIC.
UK NARIC - The National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom is managed by ECCTIS Ltd under contract to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).
To Download an Application Form for NARIC Click Here
Am I allowed to work in the UK ?
To take a job as a Radiographer in an Imaging / Xray / Radiology / Radiography Department, through Sonographers Medical, you must have an appropriate Diagnostic Radiography qualification and a Right To Work in the UK. more...
How Much Will I Be Paid ?
Locum Radiographer Pay rates are no longer a National standard for any Agency.
A large number of hospitals have now entered agreements with Sonographers Medical UK to supply Radiographers not just at a fixed charge rate but at a fixed pay rate as well. These rates vary from hospital to hospital.
In general, Radiography pay rates vary from £17.00 to £27.00 - but generally a Radiographer should expect to earn about £20 per hour.
Sonographers Medical UK will ensure all locums are fully aware of the pay rate applicable to a particular post, prior to accepting it.
Do You Support Working Through a Limited Company ?
Many Radiographers choose to sub-contract through SONOGRAPHERS Medical in order to take advantage of the tax advantages of working through their own Limited Company. Whether this is the most beneficial system for an individual Radiographer, will depend on that Radiographers personal circumstances.
What can I expect of the Agency ?
SONOGRAPHERS Medical operates to a stringent recruitment policy and as well as this , we also have an integrated Locum Appraisal System to assist each Radiographer with the Professional Development Plan.
Ongoing Staff development is of vital importance to Sonographers Medical. At the end of the day, our reputation rests on the quality and competency of the locums we place.
We have developed links with a variety of National and International companies to offer training possibilities to all staff.There is also mandatory annual training in CPR, Manual Handling.
We have recently concluded negotiations to provide free training to all locums working through Sonographers Medical
Locums should activate this by telephoning our UK offices, once arriving in Britain .
Professional Associations.
Health Professions Council: State Registration for Radiographers