Careers event information pack

Diagnostic Radiography and Healthcare Science Information pack 2025/26

Contents Thank you for joining us today. This pack contains more information and inspiration for your career in Diagnostic Radiography and Healthcare Science!

Thinking about a career in diagnostics?

You don't have to be patient-facing to save lives.

Find out more about the wider healthcare team that make diagnosing possible.

Diagnostic radiography It's not all about X-rays and broken bones! Learn more about the different modalities that use cuttingedge technology to look inside the body.

Healthcare science Healthcare science has more than 50 different specialisms, using science and technology to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients.

Pathology in the spotlight Your samples actually go somewhere! Learn more about this branch of Healthcare Scientists that not only receive samples but makes sense of them.

How to start your career Explore the different ways you can get into diagnostic radiography and healthcare science.

Additional resources

Thinking about a career Diagnostics is at the heart of modern healthcare. Every day, NHS diagnostic professionals use technology, science and specialist skills to find answer – helping to detect, monitor and treat illness.

Did you know that around 85% of patient in the NHS will have some form of diagnostic test of investigation as part of their care?

Whether it’s an X-ray in an emergency department, a blood test in a hospital lab, a heart scan on a cardiac ward, or cutting-edge genetic analysis, diagnostics supports every stage of the patient journey.

in Diagnostics?

You may be wondering, who are they and what do they do? Check out the video below to learn more. Whether you would like to interact with patients or prefer to work more behind the scenes, find the perfect role for you!

Diagnostics careers in the NHS are grouped into two main families. Read on to discover more: Diagnostic Radiography one of the Allied Health Professions (AHPs) ► Find out more on the NHS England website

Healthcare Sciences (including pathology) ► Find out more on the NHS Health Careers website

Diagnostic Radiography Radiography is one of the most innovative aspects of healthcare!

Using advanced state-of-the-art technology, you will be able to look inside patients’ bodies and understand the causes of their illness.

This will inform the medical team so that patients get a timely diagnosis and correct treatment plan. ​ Diagnostic Radiography is often the first step into an exciting and varied career in medical imaging. As a Diagnostic Radiographer, you’ll use technologies such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound to help doctors diagnose illness and injury.

It’s a role that combines patient care with hands-on use of advanced equipment, and it provides a strong foundation for a wide range of future opportunities.

Once qualified, many radiographers choose to specialise further in areas where their skills are in high demand, or progress into advanced and consultantlevel practice.

Career pathways

Diagnostic Radiography Diagnostic Radiographer: the

main degree/apprenticeship entry route - Degrees and courses NHS Careers Specialist areas you can progress into: • Sonographer (ultrasound scanning) Becoming a Sonographer in the NHS: Key Insights • Mammographer (breast imaging) Mammographers • Other advanced practice roles (e.g. reporting radiographer, interventional radiography).

• What is advanced practice in radiography?

Source: Society of Radiographers

Diagnostic Radiographer

Diagnostic Radiography

The main degree/apprenticeship entry route.

What you do: Use X-rays, CT, MRI and other imaging techniques to capture images that help diagnose and monitor conditions. To understand more about the different modalities in Diagnostic Imaging, why not look at the different patient pathways.

Training: Typically, a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography – The Society of Radiographers has a list of universities that offer Diagnostic Imaging as an undergraduate degree. You may also be interested in a degree-level apprenticeship (where available).

Want to stay local?

Diagnostic Radiography

The University of Plymouth The University of Plymouth is a leading provider of Diagnostic Radiography education in the South West.

Students benefit from modern, purpose-built facilities, early exposure to clinical placements, and small group learning that ensures personal support throughout the degree. Plymouth graduates leave well-prepared for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and employment across the NHS. What Plymouth offers: BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography: Three-year, full-time degree with extensive hospital placements.

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography with Ultrasound Fundamentals: Integrates ultrasound skills alongside core radiography training.

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography with Integrated Foundation Year: Designed for students who may not meet the standard entry requirements, this course includes a foundation year to develop essential academic and practical skills before progressing to the full degree programme. Duration: 4 years (full-time).

• Early and repeated clinical placement experience in local NHS Trusts.

• Supportive learning environment with access to modern imaging labs and simulation equipment.

Diagnostic Radiography The University of Exeter The University of Exeter's Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) programme is renowned for its highquality education and strong industry connections.

Located at the St Luke's Campus, this programme offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a digital radiography room, ultrasound equipment, and a 3T MRI scanner.

What Exeter offers: BSc (Hons) Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography): Three-year course in diagnostic imaging techniques, preparing students for HCPC registration and a career as a diagnostic radiographer.

MSci Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography): Four-year integrated master's program that builds upon the BSc, offering enhanced learning and skills development in medical imaging.

Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc (Hons): A work-based learning route that combines employment in the NHS with academic study.

Important: Always check the entry requirements for the programme and university that you wish to study.

Programmes vary as do entry requirements.

Healthcare Sciences Healthcare Science is a broad and diverse career family within the NHS. Professionals use science, technology, and specialist skills to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients. On the opposite page, we give an overview of all four categories with links to explore them further.

Then we’ll take a deep dive into Pathology (Life Sciences), showing the roles, training, and career progression pathways available locally in the South West.

Life Sciences Working mostly in laboratories analysing blood, tissue and other samples. Includes biomedical science, genetics, microbiology. ► Read more

Physiological Sciences Carrying out tests directly with patients to check how organs and body systems are working. Includes cardiac physiology, audiology, respiratory physiology. ► Read more

Physical Sciences & Clinical Engineering

Clinical Bioinformatics

Using physics and engineering in healthcare, from planning radiotherapy treatments to ensuring medical equipment is safe.

Combine computing, data and biology to interpret complex health information such as genetic data or medical images.

► Read more

► Read more

Pathology spotlight: exploring Biomedical Science careers Biomedical Science is at the heart of modern diagnostics, providing the critical information clinicians need to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients.

As a Biomedical Scientist, you’ll work with blood, tissue, and other samples in the lab, using specialist techniques and advanced equipment.

This role combines scientific expertise with problemsolving and provides a strong foundation for a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare science.

Once qualified, you can choose to specialise in areas where your skills are in high demand, or progress into advanced and consultant-level roles.

Career pathways Healthcare Science Assistant / Associate – the main entry route into laboratory-based roles.

• Biomedical Scientist – HCPC-registered professionals who analyse patient samples.

• Specialist / Advanced Roles – e.g., Specialist Biomedical Scientist, Consultant Biomedical Scientist.

Healthcare Science Assistant / Associate

Diagnostic Radiography

The main entry route.

What you do: Support the laboratory team by preparing and processing patient samples, performing routine testing under supervision, and helping ensure quality standards are maintained.

Training: Level 2–3 apprenticeships (Healthcare Science Assistant / Associate), and on-the-job training and structured development programmes.

Biomedical Scientist The core professional role.

What you do: Analyse blood, tissue, and other samples to diagnose and monitor disease. Interpret results, report findings to clinicians, and contribute to patient care.

Training: Typically a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) maintains a comprehensive directory of accredited biomedical science degree programmes across the UK. • Registration with HCPC is required to practice independently.

• Degree-level apprenticeships (Level 6) are available in some NHS trusts.

Want to stay local?

Diagnostic Radiography

The University of Plymouth BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science: Three-year degree, accredited by IBMS. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year: Four-year programme for students who don’t meet standard entry requirements.

• Clinical placements across local NHS laboratories.

• Supportive learning environment with modern labs and practical facilities.

The University of Exeter BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences: Three-year degree covering biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and immunology.

• Opportunities for research projects and specialised laboratory experience.

• NHS placements across the South West to gain practical experience Important note: This degree is not currently accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Graduates from nonaccredited programmes are not automatically eligible for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist, which is required to work independently in UK pathology laboratories.

Non-accredited degrees still provide excellent scientific knowledge and skills and can lead to careers in healthcare science support roles, research, biotechnology, or further study at an IBMS-accredited programme or postgraduate level.

Specialist / Advanced roles

Diagnostic Radiography

Once you have qualified as a Biomedical Scientist, there are opportunities to progress into specialist and advanced practice roles.

These positions allow you to focus on a specific area of pathology, take on leadership responsibilities, and contribute to service development and research.

Examples of Specialist / Advanced roles: • Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Experts in a particular discipline such as microbiology, haematology, transfusion science, or genetics. They often lead complex testing, support service development, and mentor junior staff.

• Consultant Biomedical Scientist – Senior leaders who oversee clinical services, manage teams, implement new technologies, and contribute to national and international research. Often work alongside doctors and clinical scientists to shape patient care pathways.

Training and progression: • Specialist roles typically require post-registration experience and further professional development or postgraduate study.

• Consultant roles usually involve advanced practice training, leadership qualifications, and evidence of contribution to service improvement or research. ► Check out the career pathways in the IBMS Interactive BMS Careers Guide

Introducing the Peninsula Pathology Network

Become a Biomedical Scientist

What is a pathologist?

What is a Medical Microbiologist?

Do you know what happens to your blood sample?

Do you know what happens to your urine sample?

Next steps What can I do at my stage?

Key Stage 4 (14–16 years) – explore and discover • Visit and explore: Attend STEM or healthcare events, university open days, interactive lab sessions.

• Fun Activities: Try the NHS Careers Quiz to find roles that suit your interests.

• STEM subjects: Focus on science, maths, and technology subjects—they are the foundation for Diagnostic Radiography or Biomedical Science.

Even if you can’t access clinical areas, virtual tours, demonstrations, and quizzes can help.

16+ Students / Key Stage 5 – study and experience • A Levels: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths • T Levels in Health: Accepted for some programmes such as BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science at UoP and some BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging programmes:

Health T Level and Healthcare Science T Level • Work experience: Apply through your school or college to gain insight into labs or imaging depts.

• Apprenticeships: Explore work-based pathways combining employment and study in local NHS trusts. ✓ Plan early and try a combination of academic and practical experiences to strengthen your application.

Adults considering a career change • Degree or apprenticeship routes: Universities in the South West offer pathways into Biomedical Science and Diagnostic Radiography, including degree-level apprenticeships.

• Flexible Learning: Some programmes offer part-time study or foundation years to build essential skills.

• Skills transfer: Previous healthcare, lab, or STEM experience can be a strong advantage.

Diagnostic Radiography

✓ Reach out to NHS education teams or university admissions to explore flexible entry routes and support for mature learners.

Guidance for everyone - always check: ✓Course entry requirements: subjects, grades, or T Level equivalence ✓Accreditation: IBMS-accredited for Biomedical Science; HCPC-approved for Diagnostic Radiography and other regulated roles Work experience in the South West Peninsula NHS trusts have central teams that organise and coordinate all work experience placements. This ensures that opportunities are equitable, safe, and properly supervised for all students.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Royal Devon Eastern Services | Northern Services Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

Further information Volunteering opportunities Volunteering can be a great way to find out about careers that might suit you, and to meet staff and patients. It can also count towards Duke of Edinburgh or King’s Scout Awards.

Find out what’s available and how to apply: • Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust • Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust • Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust • University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust or email plh-tr.workexperience@nhs.net Join us at a careers event!

We hold careers events in radiography and healthcare science around Cornwall and Devon throughout the year: peninsuladiagnostics.nhs.uk/discover-diagnostics Keep updated: register with South West Health and Care Career Pathways If you have any queries that haven’t been answered here, contact the PenRAD Imaging Network team at: plh-tr.penrad@nhs.net