Inspiring the Next Generation of Therapeutic Radiographers
As an educator or careers advisor, you play a crucial role in shaping young people’s futures. If you have students with an interest in healthcare, technology, and making a difference in people’s lives, introducing them to Therapeutic Radiography could open doors to a fulfilling and impactful career.
Therapeutic radiographers are Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) who play an indispensable role in the fight against cancer, using advanced technology to deliver radiotherapy treatments while supporting patients emotionally and physically.
Why Recommend Therapeutic Radiography?
- High Demand: There’s a recognised shortage of therapeutic radiographers, ensuring strong job prospects.
- Exciting Career Path: Students can specialise in specific body sites e.g. breast specialist radiographer; or work in areas such as education, research, quality assurance and management
- STEM-Focused: The role combines biology, physics, and patient care, appealing to students interested in science and technology.
How to Support Aspiring Students
- Highlight Pathways: Emphasise the importance of STEM subjects like physics, biology, and mathematics at GCSE and A-Level or equivalent.
- Recommend work experience: universities expect students to have visited a radiotherapy department, and to get a day of work experience.
- Promote Open Days: Encourage attendance at university open days to learn about accredited Therapeutic Radiography programmes and open days at local hospitals, whilst visiting the NHS stands at careers fairs.
You can download a range of free resources or please get in touch with one of our practice educators at one of our hospitals in the Midlands.
Equip your students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in this vital healthcare field. Your guidance can help them embark on a career that’s as meaningful as it is innovative.
Work with us to deliver the very best in Therapeutic Radiography careers advice or signpost your students to our website as part of their career research.
Testimonial
“It can be emotionally distressing to see a patient go through treatment, but being able to provide supportive care as well as the treatment itself is an extremely privileged position to be in. Having a valuable impact on each patient we come across is so rewarding and fulfilling.
“Interacting with breast cancer patients has deepened my understanding of the importance of empathy and compassion.
“Providing emotional support and a caring presence can make a significant difference in a patient’s journey. Cancer care is not just about treating the disease; it involves addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of a patient’s life.
“Knowing that you have made a lasting impact on each patient that you come across is truly the most rewarding part. I don’t see it as a job but as a privilege to be trusted by patients when they are at their most vulnerable.”
Mariam Kalsoom, Lecturer in Therapeutic Radiography.
“As a therapeutic radiographer, no two days are the same, so it can be really varied. So you could come in one day and you’re doing the pre-treatment tasks such as a pre-treatment planning scan.
“Or you might be dealing with a patient who’s coming in for the first time, so you need to be able to reassure them using your communication skills, and be able to reassure them and their families.
“Or you could be doing treatment that day, so you might have already got to know the patient quite well.
“They could be halfway through their treatment, so you have a different set of skills and looking at how the patient is set up, making sure the equipment is correct, making sure their position is correct, and making sure they’re nice and relaxed so that they you can get them in exactly the right position for their treatment.”
Mercia Edwards, Therapeutic Radiographer at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Start your journey today!
Explore universities offering Therapeutic Radiography courses and take the first step towards an inspiring career; speak to your careers advisor or speak to the Radiotherapy Practice Educator at one of our hospitals in the Midlands.