BSc Radiography/Radiotherapy

[TarpalCunnel]

Anyone here studying either Radiography or Radiotherapy? Im really interested in both these courses, and hope to get some more volunteer experience with my local department. So far I have had a day with a Radiologist, and got involved with 2 separate MRI studies. I find it incredibly interesting, especially as there is a lot of biology and physics involved. If you are a student on either course, how did you decide which option to go for, and how are you finding the course & placements so far? Thanks

I'm not a radiographer, but I work with them. I'll give you my thoughts on which one to go for, if you answer this question: why do you want to be a radiographer?

(other than lots of biology & physics - if that's all then why not do biomedical sciences?)

Do you know the difference between a radiologist and a radiographer?

Carriemac I got asked that exact same question in a job interview once. I didn't . I got the job! It was a very junior job.

Yes I do know that a Radiologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnostic imaging. However I am more drawn to the work of a Radiographer as there is much more patient contact.

To the person upthread who asked, I already have a Biomedical Science degree, have been working in NHS labs for years and now want to retrain.

I've got a week working alongside a Radiographer in June so hopefully I'll have more of an insight.

I work with therapy radiographers a lot. Therapy radiographers (in general) get prolonged patient contact as they will see them daily for up to 6 weeks, wheras for diagnostics you see a lot of people, but as a one off and not for long.
Therapy radiographers can take on a very extended role now, and this will involve reviewing patients on treatment, helping them manage side effects, even prescribing drugs. There can be a lot of physics, and technology is moving fast.
Downside is that theres relatively few centres in the UK, so not so easy to move around outside London. Hours are generally within the 8-8 slot, Monday to Friday.

If you are bright enough to be a radiologist , go for that, you can be an interventional radiologist, gets lots of,pt. contract .radiographers dint have that much patient contact tbh.

Sorry, said I'd answer your question, then disappeared.

When I asked 'why not do BMS?' I wasn't really suggesting you should, but interested in WHY you want to do radiography - the answer to that will tell you a lot about which branch to go for.

Anyway, here are some thoughts...

Radiotherapy is more obviously techy, with much of the time sitting in front of a computer screen. Because of the risks involved, all the processes are highly managed, with many people double checking every button press. You would get to know individual patients, as they come back every day.

Imaging radiography is more hands on. In my experience, it's more chaotic / less stifling (depending on whether or not you like chaos!). More thinking on your feet and more independence. The patient population can be very varied. Some bits (cath lab, neuro, CT) can be a bit more like a radiotherapy environment.

I was a radiographer, boy it was heavy work by the time I left - think wheeling trolleys, with mostly very poorly elderly patients on them, in and out of xray room all day. And often patient is distressed but no way do you get time to hold hands or reassure as there are several more trolleys lined up outside.

Also there is night duty, I doubt you will be able to avoid that, not sure how much it boosts your salary nowadays. You would need to enquire.

That's the down side but it is very interesting imo, what about sonography, another specialization? It's fascinating seeing what is going on inside people's bodies so if you are keen on that it is probably worth taking further. I enjoyed the work as did my colleagues which is a good sign. Everything is computerized so you need a bit of a sciency brain.