Diagnostic radiographer
Level 6 · DegreeHealth and science 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Diagnostic radiographers use X-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound, and other imaging technologies to produce images that help clinicians diagnose illness and injury. You will work directly with patients in NHS or independent hospitals, positioning them safely and operating complex imaging equipment. This is a degree-level allied health profession regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), with clear progression to specialist and advanced practice roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to medical imaging
Safe use of ionising radiation and radiation protection legislation
MRI, CT, ultrasound, and plain film imaging techniques and protocols
Patient communication, consent, and dignity in a clinical environment
Image quality assessment and recognising normal versus abnormal findings
Radiographic positioning for a wide range of examinations
Infection control and patient safety in an imaging department
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Greet and assess patients before their imaging examination
Position patients correctly and select the right imaging parameters
Operate X-ray, CT, MRI, or ultrasound equipment to acquire images
Check image quality and repeat acquisitions if needed
Maintain accurate patient records in the radiology information system
Explain procedures clearly to anxious or vulnerable patients
Follow radiation protection rules and carry out equipment safety checks
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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