Radiography is a perfect balance between science and art, says Christina Freeman, a professional officer at the Society of Radiographers. “On the one hand you are using all this extremely expensive, high-tech equipment and you need to have a detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology,” she says. “But at the same time there is something very satisfying about producing an image that is aesthetically pleasing and that you can take pride in.”

Freeman has worked in the frenetic but exciting environment of accident and emergency, the slightly more sedate role of a clinical tutor, taken a career break to have a family and is now encouraging others into the profession. “That’s one of the good things about radiography. There are so many aspects to it that you can have a really varied and interesting career.”

There are about 18,000 registered radiographers in the UK, 90 per cent of whom are employed by the NHS. The remaining 10 per cent practise in the private sector or have moved into sales and marketing within the booming equipment manufacturing sector.

The profession has two distinct branches. Diagnostic radiographers produce images of injury or disease using techniques such as X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, angiography, nuclear medicine, CT and MRI scans. Therapeutic radiographers deliver radiotherapy to cancer patients. “As a diagnostic radiographer you usually see patients for only a short time, so you need to be able quickly to develop a rapport with them,” Freeman says. “On the therapeutic side you will be there right the way through their cancer journey.”

Louise Harding, a diagnostic radiographer and clinical tutor at Warrington General Hospital, says that the profession suits people who are comfortable working with patients and colleagues from a variety of different healthcare disciplines. “You need to be somebody who has a caring nature, who is interested in people and can show empathy at what is often an extremely stressful period in their lives,” she says.

Salaries start at £19,166 for new graduates and rise to £38,000 for consultant radiographers.

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