Radiography

There are two branches of radiography: Diagnostic and Therapeutic. Radiographers work with medical professionals such as assistant practitioners, radiologists and oncologists in providing person-centred support and care for patients during screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of trauma and disease processes.

Diagnostic radiographers will use a range of imaging technology to look at what condition or disease may be causing a patient’s illness. These include:

• X-ray to examine bones and body cavities
• Fluoroscopy to see real time images of the digestive system
• Magnetic resonance imaging can look at different tissue types in the human body and build a 2D or 3D image
• Ultrasound can be used to look at soft tissues and blood vessels
• Computed Tomography provides a cross sectional view of the body

Therapeutic radiographers use doses of x-rays and other ionising radiation to treat medical conditions - mainly cancer and tumours.

Radiographers are registered Allied Health Professionals who in the UK work under regulation of the Health and Care Professions Society (HCPC). Radiographers comment on image appearances for referrers after an examination is completed; they can also issue full reports after specialist postgraduate training.

Studying radiography at postgraduate level, a radiographer can develop their role to include reporting on images, educating student radiographers, postgraduate training of radiographers or carrying out fluoroscopic, angiographic and endoscopic procedures.

Radiographers work in many areas in a hospital, in addition to the imaging department; including A&E, operating theatres and on hospital wards. 

According to The Society of Radiographers, “The profession is dynamic, developing rapidly in response to changing technological, health and patient population needs. Every year, radiographers provide essential healthcare services (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to millions of people.”

Bangor accepts applications for Diagnostic Radiography throughout the year, while places are still available. However early applications are strongly encouraged as radiography does usually fill all its places well before the end of the admissions cycle each year.