Anybody who has broken a bone or had an ultrasound scan will be well acquainted with the work of a radiographer — but this is just part of the crucial work those working in this field of medicine do.
There are two types of radiography, diagnostic and therapeutic — the former involves using imaging technologies like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to diagnose diseases and look at injuries, and the latter involves treating patients with cancer as part of a wider medical team.
If you like the sound of a career in either area entry to work for the NHS is via radiography degree courses accredited by the Health Professions Council (HPC) — and the good news is radiography students pay no tuition fees.
And there is further good news once you've qualified; radiographers are in high demand — after all, several radiography roles feature on the Government-issued National Shortage Occupation List, which details professions which are understaffed.
Guardian Careers has run a series of live Q&As exploring some of the roles on the list — so far, we've covered areas such as dentistry and speech and language therapy — and in this Q&A our panel of experts will be talking about breaking into radiography.
Join us to ask your questions about what it is like training and working in this area on 10 August at 1pm.
Advance questions are welcome.
Our panel:
Alan Simmons is careers consultant for the NHS Careers information service in England. He's been with NHS Careers for 10 years, and has a prior background in providing careers advice to people of all ages and backgrounds, but with a particular focus on school and college students. Alan is a frequent contributor to the Guardian Careers' health forum.
Keren Williamson is a course leader, admissions tutor and lecturer in radiotherapy and oncology at Cardiff University. Prior to her higher education career Keren worked as a registered radiographer. She is a fellow of The Higher Education Academy and as part of this role she is a subject adviser for radiography.
Katie Leech is a final year student at Cardiff University studying the BSc in Diagnostic Radiography & Imaging.
Maya Patel is a final year student at Cardiff University studying the BSc in Radiotherapy & Oncology.
Samantha Jewell is professional officer for education and students at the Society and College of Radiographers. Samantha is a qualified therapeutic radiographer who also worked as a senior lecturer prior to her current role. She also worked in Dubai for several years as the chair and programme leader for the country's first medical imaging course.
Mark Holland is a senior lecturer and admissions tutor at Birmingham City University. Mark qualified as a radiotherapy radiographer and worked as a clinical radiographer before starting his lecturing career with a part-time secondment in 1999.
Kevin McHugh is a lecturer in radiography at City University London. Kevin qualified as a diagnostic radiographer in 1998 and worked for the NHS for seven years before joining City University London as a lecturer. Kevin is currently involved with admissions for the undergraduate radiography courses and also assists with student placements.
