How do I become a Radiographer?

Diagnostic radiographers use a range of techniques to achieve a high-quality diagnostic image which aids in the diagnosis of an injury or disease. An important aspect of their role is to provide this service in a safe, accurate and controlled manner so as to limit the radiation exposure risk to the patient.

There are multiple entry routes to the Radiography profession:

  • Undergraduate BSc in Radiography Honours Degree
  • NFQ Level 8 course in Sciences or a Health Sciences related discipline plus MSc Diagnostic Radiography degree

CORU, the regulatory body, will provide you information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy website or by visiting the Careers Portal

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here

Your role with the HSE

Radiography is one of the most innovative aspects of healthcare – you’ll use advanced technology to look inside patients’ bodies and understand the root causes of their illness, and consult with colleagues on diagnosis and treatment plans.

The main focus of diagnostic radiography is to identify and monitor injuries, diseases and trauma, using a variety of modalities, including X-Ray, Computed Tomography (CT), Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI).

Under S.I. 256 of 2018 Radiographers have both referrer and practitioner status in terms of medical exposures of ionising radiation.

 

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

  • Become a Senior Radiographer or a clinical specialist.
  • Specialise in a specific areas, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT etc.,

Career Progression Pathway:

Clinical Pathway

  • Staff Grade Radiographer
  • Senior Radiographer
  • Clinical Specialist Radiographer

Management Pathway

  • Radiographer Service Manager I
  • Radiographer Service Manager II
  • Radiographer Service Manager III

There are also opportunities available for educational roles (Educational Pathway) across the Health and Social Care Professions.

Further training and development

There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as a Radiographer within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses. Specific clinical courses vary greatly and accessed through the body offering such training after the discussion and agreement with your manager. Some of the courses are free and some are fully or partially funded by the organisation you work for,  IIRRT or the HSE HSCP office. Visit CPD for Radiographers where you can see examples of what the IIRRT offers to its members for Professional Development.

CORU offers guidance and support to Radiographer’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Information on education and development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on HSELanD, the HSE’s training portal.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.