radiographer job description

While duties may vary based on the facility, here are the core roles associated with a radiographer job: • maintaining radiography equipment: since you have specialised knowledge in handling diagnostic imaging equipment, keep them in good condition. If a machine needs repairs, you need a maintenance specialist to restore it to proper working condition. Before a procedure, you adjust the settings, monitor the radiation levels emitted, and position the equipment to capture clear images. • preparing patients for various procedures: aside from performing diagnostic imaging or radiation procedures, you interact with patients and prepare them for the procedures. You address any questions or concerns and explain the entire process. You also compile the medical history and ensure the consent forms are in order. When the imaging starts, giving patients protective clothing and positioning them correctly for high-quality images is vital. • administering radiation treatments: with your expertise in radiology, you collaborate with an oncologist to determine the radiotherapy procedures a patient requires. You also check the machines during the procedure to monitor the radiation levels. • assisting in surgery: invasive surgical procedures often require medical imaging devices to give the surgeon a better view. As a radiographer, you are responsible for operating the imaging machines throughout the procedure. • maintaining health and safety regulations in radiology units: as a radiographer, you protect workers and patients from exposure to excessive radiation. That means keeping up with the safety guidelines and ionising radiation regulations is crucial.

As a radiographer, you work in private clinics and hospitals in the radiology unit. You can work in any community health setting requiring radiology services, including mining communities. Sometimes, you work in trauma units or cancer treatment wards, depending on your responsibilities. A radiographer also works in surgical teams when the surgeon needs real-time imaging during surgery. The nature of your work means you are exposed to radiation energy throughout the day. Hence, you wear specialised safety gear, such as an apron made of protective materials.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include radiologists, pharmacists , pharmacy assistants , nurses and paediatricians. You might also be working close to oncologists, doctors, and other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, hospital administrators , neurologists, surgeons, physiotherapists and paediatric nurses .

Radiographers work full-time jobs of about 37 hours a week. However, the work schedule depends on whether you are a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer. Most appointments for therapeutic radiology are scheduled within the 8 am to 6 pm workday. That means you don't work night shifts; you only work occasional evenings and weekends. Diagnostic radiographers work shifts since emergency rooms, and trauma centres need radiographers during emergencies. Your shifts can include early mornings and night shifts since they are rotational. Part-time positions are available for radiographers, especially in private clinics with few clients needing medical imaging. While there is minimal travelling, you may attend conferences and other health industry events.

As a radiographer, you have numerous opportunities to build your career . For instance, you can specialise in specific imaging equipment requiring training. Another option is to branch into one specialism and develop your expertise. Learning specialised diagnostic or therapeutic procedures boosts your prospects. If you want to progress in your field or take on additional responsibilities, complete the training necessary to become a radiologist. Some radiographers study to become oncologists or doctors.

advantages of finding a radiographer job through randstad

Finding your radiographer job through Randstad provides essential advantages such as: • a wide variety of training and development opportunities • an experienced contact person to provide help if needed • a range of opportunities in your area • get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job • temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a radiographer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent career. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the duties of a radiographer?

As a radiographer, you operate x-ray equipment and assist the doctor with diagnoses. However, you do not interpret the x-rays or medical imaging tests. You explain the imaging process to patients, direct them to the correct position for the scan, and ensure safety during imaging procedures.

what is the difference between a radiologist and a radiographer?

While both deal with patient testing and diagnostics issues, they perform different duties. As a radiologist, you interpret the images and diagnostic scans performed on the patients. You make a diagnosis based on the imaging. A radiographer is a technician responsible for performing imaging tests. They operate the diagnostic equipment but do not interpret the results.

what skills does a radiographer need?

As a radiographer, it is crucial to be methodical since the diagnostic tests follow a specific procedure. Accuracy and attentiveness to details are also helpful in avoiding errors during imaging that could lead to wrong diagnoses. It would be best if you were willing to learn new skills since new imaging equipment is invented continually to assist with medical diagnosis.

is being a radiographer a good career?

Working as a radiographer is an exciting career with promising prospects . The pay is decent depending on the hospital you work for and your level of superiority. You can also perform private and on-call work to boost your income. As a radiographer, you have multiple opportunities for career growth and specialisation. For instance, some radiographers focus on sonography and ultrasound, which have exciting career prospects.

how much does a radiographer make?

As a radiographer, you earn a salary of $88,000 per year. Your remuneration package depends on your experience and qualifications. When you have additional experience, you are likely to earn higher than entry-level radiographers.

how do I apply for a radiographer vacancy?

Applying for a radiographer job is straightforward: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter . Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

radiographer

what is a radiographer?

As a radiographer, you use advanced imaging devices and x-ray machines to see inside the human body and identify injuries or abnormalities. Your role is to monitor the radiation to ensure it is safe and move the equipment for accurate imaging. It is also crucial to capture and save all the images using the attached x-ray camera throughout the procedure.

Radiographers use complex medical imaging equipment to perform tests and provide images for diagnosis. For instance, you use ultrasound machines and x-rays. Handling specialised equipment like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound machines requires additional training.

what does a radiographer do?

Radiographers work in medical settings to ensure the accurate diagnosis of patients. That means you guide patients through the imaging procedures and manipulate the imaging equipment to get the desired outcome.

As a radiographer, you may only sometimes work with a diagnostic team. You may perform treatment procedures that require radiation. In therapeutic radiography, you evaluate the patient's condition and identify the best treatment options. You also explain the processes and side effects of the treatment before preparing patients for the procedure.

radiographer jobs

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average radiographer salary

The average salary of a radiographer in Australia is $88,000 per year. Like other medical roles, remuneration depends on experience and qualification. When you are new in the position or still work as part of the Supervised Practice Program, you earn less than $80,000 per year. As your experience and qualifications increase, your take-home remuneration package is $95,000 annually.

what factors affect your salary as a radiographer?

As a radiographer, your qualifications determine your earnings. You will earn less than a licensed radiographer when you work under supervision. Your experience and area of specialisation may also influence your earnings. When you have minimal experience, your earnings are lower. However, as you improve your skills, you can negotiate higher pay. Specialising in complex imaging technology also boosts your remuneration. For instance, radiographers with additional training and expertise in using MRIs or fluoroscopy take home a higher income.

Want to know more about what you will earn as a radiographer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

radiographer jobs

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types of radiographers

Some of the types of radiographers include:

• diagnostic radiographer: your job involves taking images of a patient's internal organs to assist the doctor in identifying the extent of an injury or disease. You'll work with doctors to establish possible illnesses before conducting additional tests to confirm your hypothesis.

• therapeutic radiographer: a therapeutic radiographer works directly with patients and other specialists to develop a treatment plan for cancer and other conditions. Your job is to direct high-energy radiation to treat the condition. In addition to ensuring the correct radiation dose is applied, you may be responsible for monitoring any side effects.

3

working as a radiographer

Working as a radiographer involves operating imaging and diagnostic equipment. If you are interested in the role, check out your daily duties and responsibilities, including the job prospects and work schedules.

radiographer job description

While duties may vary based on the facility, here are the core roles associated with a radiographer job:

• maintaining radiography equipment: since you have specialised knowledge in handling diagnostic imaging equipment, keep them in good condition. If a machine needs repairs, you need a maintenance specialist to restore it to proper working condition. Before a procedure, you adjust the settings, monitor the radiation levels emitted, and position the equipment to capture clear images.

• preparing patients for various procedures: aside from performing diagnostic imaging or radiation procedures, you interact with patients and prepare them for the procedures. You address any questions or concerns and explain the entire process. You also compile the medical history and ensure the consent forms are in order. When the imaging starts, giving patients protective clothing and positioning them correctly for high-quality images is vital.

• administering radiation treatments: with your expertise in radiology, you collaborate with an oncologist to determine the radiotherapy procedures a patient requires. You also check the machines during the procedure to monitor the radiation levels.

• assisting in surgery: invasive surgical procedures often require medical imaging devices to give the surgeon a better view. As a radiographer, you are responsible for operating the imaging machines throughout the procedure.

• maintaining health and safety regulations in radiology units: as a radiographer, you protect workers and patients from exposure to excessive radiation. That means keeping up with the safety guidelines and ionising radiation regulations is crucial.
work environment

As a radiographer, you work in private clinics and hospitals in the radiology unit. You can work in any community health setting requiring radiology services, including mining communities. Sometimes, you work in trauma units or cancer treatment wards, depending on your responsibilities. A radiographer also works in surgical teams when the surgeon needs real-time imaging during surgery. The nature of your work means you are exposed to radiation energy throughout the day. Hence, you wear specialised safety gear, such as an apron made of protective materials.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include radiologists, pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, nurses and paediatricians. You might also be working close to oncologists, doctors, and other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, hospital administrators, neurologists, surgeons, physiotherapists and paediatric nurses.
work schedule

Radiographers work full-time jobs of about 37 hours a week. However, the work schedule depends on whether you are a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer. Most appointments for therapeutic radiology are scheduled within the 8 am to 6 pm workday. That means you don't work night shifts; you only work occasional evenings and weekends.

Diagnostic radiographers work shifts since emergency rooms, and trauma centres need radiographers during emergencies. Your shifts can include early mornings and night shifts since they are rotational. Part-time positions are available for radiographers, especially in private clinics with few clients needing medical imaging. While there is minimal travelling, you may attend conferences and other health industry events.
job outlook

As a radiographer, you have numerous opportunities to build your career. For instance, you can specialise in specific imaging equipment requiring training. Another option is to branch into one specialism and develop your expertise. Learning specialised diagnostic or therapeutic procedures boosts your prospects. If you want to progress in your field or take on additional responsibilities, complete the training necessary to become a radiologist. Some radiographers study to become oncologists or doctors.
advantages of finding a radiographer job through randstad

Finding your radiographer job through Randstad provides essential advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities

• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed

• a range of opportunities in your area

• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job

• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a radiographer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent career. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

To pursue a career as a radiographer, you require the following educational qualifications:

• bachelor's degree: complete a bachelor's degree in medical radiation science or medical imaging. The relevant medical board should approve the course.

• work experience: when you complete your study, you can undertake an internship program to gain clinical experience. To become a fully qualified radiographer, you need one year of practical experience before registering with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA). After working within an accredited clinical radiology department, you can apply for general registration and complete the National Medical Radiation Practice Exam from the board. You may require a licence depending on the territory or state you work in.

radiographer skills and competencies

Some of the soft skills required of a radiographer include:

• attention to detail: as a radiographer, being attentive to details helps avoid errors during imaging. Scans and diagnostics processes are delicate procedures that require methodical approaches. Attention to detail ensures you produce high-quality images that lead to correct diagnostics.

• communication skills: as a radiographer, you guide patients through the imaging procedures. Excellent communication skills enable you to explain complex concepts in simple terms. Your communication abilities are also helpful in putting the patient at ease throughout the imaging to ensure a seamless process.

• technical knowledge: as a radiographer, you operate various imaging equipment and complex diagnostic tools. You require hands-on knowledge to operate the equipment. It is essential to understand the function and maintenance procedures of the imaging equipment.

• time management: you require time management skills to prioritise procedures for critical patients and leave enough time to treat other patients. With time management skills, you can improve the quality of your work and support more patients.

• teamwork skills: as a radiographer, you collaborate with various medical professionals in the industry. For instance, you assist oncologists and obstetricians with complex imaging procedures. Having teamwork skills improves your productivity and simplifies your work.

5

FAQs about working as a radiographer

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a radiographer.

what are the duties of a radiographer?

As a radiographer, you operate x-ray equipment and assist the doctor with diagnoses. However, you do not interpret the x-rays or medical imaging tests. You explain the imaging process to patients, direct them to the correct position for the scan, and ensure safety during imaging procedures.
what is the difference between a radiologist and a radiographer?

While both deal with patient testing and diagnostics issues, they perform different duties. As a radiologist, you interpret the images and diagnostic scans performed on the patients. You make a diagnosis based on the imaging. A radiographer is a technician responsible for performing imaging tests. They operate the diagnostic equipment but do not interpret the results.
what skills does a radiographer need?

As a radiographer, it is crucial to be methodical since the diagnostic tests follow a specific procedure. Accuracy and attentiveness to details are also helpful in avoiding errors during imaging that could lead to wrong diagnoses. It would be best if you were willing to learn new skills since new imaging equipment is invented continually to assist with medical diagnosis.
is being a radiographer a good career?

Working as a radiographer is an exciting career with promising prospects. The pay is decent depending on the hospital you work for and your level of superiority. You can also perform private and on-call work to boost your income. As a radiographer, you have multiple opportunities for career growth and specialisation. For instance, some radiographers focus on sonography and ultrasound, which have exciting career prospects.
how much does a radiographer make?

As a radiographer, you earn a salary of $88,000 per year. Your remuneration package depends on your experience and qualifications. When you have additional experience, you are likely to earn higher than entry-level radiographers.
how do I apply for a radiographer vacancy?

Applying for a radiographer job is straightforward: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.