Radiographer - Therapeutic
Last updated: 31 August 2023
Radiographer - Therapeutic
Therapeutic Radiographer's are a source of hope and care for those diagnosed with cancer. Using radiotherapy, you’ll collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create individual treatment plans that blend technical expertise with emotional support for your patients. As a therapeutic radiographer, you’ll be part of a team helping people who are dealing with cancer.
A day in the life
Based in the hospital:
- you'll work with patients and colleagues to design treatment programmes
- support patients until their treatment ends
- from initial X-ray, to using a CT scanner or a linear scanner, you'll use some of the most complex and advanced technology to treat tumors
Therapeutic radiographers are also central to a wider multidisciplinary team, working and consulting with colleagues across various departments.
Your development
Once you’ve qualified, you’ll have annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where we’ll discuss your career aspirations and plan how we can help you to achieve them, so you’re always moving forward. You’ll be encouraged to join the Society of Radiography where you can take courses, conferences and seminars.
You may also choose to specialise in treating certain cancers, work with children or with new, emerging technologies such as proton beam therapy. Research, teaching or management are other career pathways.
For more information regarding joining our team, please submit a form through the ‘Contact us’ page or contact the Recruitment team, who are more than happy to help, on 02392 286000 ext. 6577 or email recruitment.enquiries@porthosp.nhs.uk
My story
Emma Middleton
Therapeutic Radiographer
What made you become a Therapeutic Radiographer? - I decided to become a Therapeutic Radiographer as I am a people person but also love a bit of science, this career gives you a mix of both. Radiotherapy is the treatment of cancer using high energy rays, such as x-rays which destroys the cancer cells in the planned area and can be delivered either externally or internally
How did you become a Therapeutic Radiographer? - I really enjoyed my career as a receptionist in a GP surgery but felt I needed a challenge so after completing an access course in biomedical studies, I attended Portsmouth University and completed a 3-year Degree in Therapeutic Radiography.
What do you do on a day to day basis? - Every day is different but could consist of planning a course of treatment with other therapeutic radiographers, clinical oncologists and medical physicists, welcoming patients on their first day and explaining the treatment and possible side effects and then administering that treatment and offering both clinical and emotional support.
Why did you choose PHU? - As a mature student with children and a husband working away in the Armed Forces, I found PHU to be hugely supportive during my time as a student. Due to this positive experience I was very keen to begin my professional career within the trust where I found a hugely supportive team and a great group of friends.
What do you enjoy about being a Therapeutic Radiographer? - Radiotherapy combines your academic knowledge and continued learning with supporting your patients and there is always something to learn, it is a hugely rewarding career and I see it as privilege to help guide patients through their treatment.
Career plans and advice for others - Career prospects for therapeutic radiographers are good, you could make the choice to specialise in certain aspects of radiotherapy such as treatment planning, patient support or as part of the team looking after the next generation of students as I have done. Alternatively, you could take on more clinical responsibility and become a consultant radiographer where you can choose to combine research with clinical work in a specialist area.
