Radiographers are in high demand throughout Australia, with the expectation that the number of new openings will continue to increase over the next decade. This projection means that radiography is a good choice if you are looking for challenging, interesting, rewarding and secure career. But what does a radiographer do, and what makes someone a good fit for this career?

Radiographer Roles

A radiographer is a health professional who takes various types of medical images using different technologies and techniques. They provide the medical images that physicians use to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients’ illnesses and injuries.

They are experts at operating advanced technical equipment, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and x-ray machines.

Certain qualities and expertise that help radiographers become successful in this field include:

• Compassionate and well versed — a radiographer should put patients at ease and help them understand the procedure they are undergoing and why

• Have a strong scientific and technological background

• Observant and focused with strong attention to detail

• Have an in-depth understanding of the equipment and skill to position patients correctly

• Skilled at timing procedures to ensure safe exposure to radiation

• Enjoy working with other medical professionals and have the ability to work well within a team environment

While a radiographer isn’t a medical doctor, it is still their responsibility to understand the body’s structure and the impact of injury and disease on patients whom they take images of.

Radiographers work very closely Radiologists. Radiologists are specialist doctors that have advanced medical degrees that qualify them to interpret the images produced by the radiographer.

Radiographer Responsibilities

A radiographer works directly with patients, physicians, and other medical professionals. As well as taking the medical images Radiographers are also responsible for providing patients with the appropriate level of care and safety. They must provide patients with the greatest level of comfort while respecting their dignity and confidentiality.

In addition to performing these duties, experienced radiographers can have extensive experience in a range of other areas including:

• Performing ultrasound procedures

• Research

• Lecturing other students

• Advancing to a supervisor role

• Corporate sales

• Setting up a practice with a radiologist

Becoming a Radiographer

The most common way to start a career in Radiography is to join an undergraduate or graduate level program. Students who don’t pursue radiography studies just out of high school must first obtain an acceptable undergraduate degree. Those applying for an undergraduate medical radiation sciences degree must obtain Year 12 certificate or equivalent and meet all additional criteria, including working with children, immunisation status, and criminal checks.

Those applying for graduate level must have already acquired an undergraduate degree. They also require a bachelor’s degree in a health science or medical imaging science discipline.

Graduates will then undertake one year of paid supervised practice. Next, they apply to the relevant board of registration in their state for authorisation to practise as a radiographer. Finally, they will need to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before they can join the workforce and practice in the profession.

Job security and the potential to earn a high income make the role of radiographer a good one for the right candidate. It also offers future opportunities for even more satisfying career choices.