Radiography: Diagnostic Radiography BSc(Hons): After you graduate

"I chose to study diagnostic radiography because I really enjoyed working with different types of people in an active environment. The course was very intense, and trying to balance academic work, clinical work and socialising was sometimes demanding. However, the amount of time spent actually in the clinical sites really helped me to realise what the final goal was and that a rewarding job was waiting at the end.

"I used the skills I had learnt at university, rotating through all diagnostic areas including A&E, theatres, generals, mobiles and screening. Two years later I moved into cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI) on a rotational basis, learning new skills along the way.

"After three years I decided that I wanted to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma in Image Interpretation (plain film reporting). This was an extremely difficult course and reminded me of the challenges I had as an undergraduate. But it was such a satisfying feeling when I qualified as a reporting radiographer, knowing that I could help the patients with my extra skills and knowledge.

"I now work full-time in the MRI unit, reporting plain films on two sessions a week.  As a radiographer you have to be quite confident with people you don't know, reassuring them and making them feel safe in your care. It is, however, a job that I really enjoy and would not change for the world. The patient contact is a real bonus - being able to spend time with someone and actually help them is extremely rewarding."

"I decided to study radiography because having completed work experience in a hospital I knew that I liked the environment and also felt that an office-based occupation was not something that would suit me. The course was intensive and at times it was difficult to balance working practically as a student radiographer in hospital with academic work. However, I did enjoy the contrast between working in the classroom and working with patients. I could see a future and a job at the end of the course.

"After completing my BSc in radiography, I spent three years as a general radiographer in a busy department. It was necessary to be organised, flexible and have lots of energy. Radiographers work in their own department and also elsewhere – such as the the operating theatre, intensive care baby unit and A&E, for example. I then decided to specialise in neuro-radiography to further my career.

"Neuro-radiography is completely brilliant. It is challenging and exciting and I am learning so many new skills. It mainly involves imaging the head and spine using state-of-the-art-technology, such as MRI, CT and angiography. I enjoy the technical side, but particularly love the people side of the job. You have to be able to walk up to someone, talk to them and reassure them, in a very short time, often about painful and unpleasant procedures. You know how important this is to the patient and succeeding gives me an enormous amount of satisfaction."