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
  • NFQ Level 8 course in Sciences or a Health Sciences related discipline plus MSc Diagnostic Radiography

CORU  the regulator for health and social care professionals 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 you can visit Careers Portal

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

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP). Find out more on the CORU Website.

Radiographers are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

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.

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.

Career Progression

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

  • Become a Senior Radiographer or a Clinical Specialist.
  • Specialise in a specific area, like CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT

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

Educational Pathway

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

2 people viewing scans on a screen

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE.

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

HSeLand is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts.

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.