Therapeutic Radiographer

Therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver radiotherapy — high-energy radiation treatments used to treat cancer. This is a distinct profession from diagnostic radiography (imaging), requiring a separate degree and clinical training. You work closely with oncologists, medical physicists, and dosimetrists to design treatment plans, position patients accurately for each session, operate linear accelerators (linacs) and other radiotherapy equipment, and monitor patients throughout a course of treatment that may last several weeks. Advanced practice roles include image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), adaptive radiotherapy, and specialist treatment of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and brain tumours. Patient care is central — many patients are anxious and fatigued; building therapeutic relationships across a treatment course is a key part of the role. HCPC registration is required to use the protected title 'therapeutic radiographer' and practise.

Cancer incidence in the UK continues to rise, and radiotherapy is used in around half of all cancer treatments — creating sustained, growing demand. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to increasing radiotherapy capacity. Therapeutic radiographers operate complex, multi-million-pound equipment that requires specialist clinical training; the role cannot be automated, outsourced, or replaced by remote diagnostics. The profession is a shortage area, with the Society of Radiographers (SoR) consistently reporting unfilled posts in NHS cancer centres.

Morning in the treatment unit: set up the linear accelerator, verify the treatment plan for three patients attending for daily fractions of radiotherapy, position each accurately using image guidance, and record treatment delivery. One patient is anxious and needs extra time and reassurance. Midday: attend a multi-disciplinary team meeting for new patient treatment planning. Afternoon: carry out pre-treatment verification imaging for a patient starting a new course next week and complete treatment plan documentation.