Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

The Work

Diagnostic radiographers work mainly within the radiology and imaging departments of hospitals but may also work in surgeries/clinics. Radiology departments within hospitals normally include a number of sections encompassing a wide range of different imaging modalities e.g. ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and, of course, x-rays.

Diagnostic radiographers are able to undertake most investigations but may later specialise in one particular area. Diagnostic radiographers use a range of imaging technology:

• X-ray - looks through tissues to examine bones, cavities and foreign objects
• Fluoroscopy - images the digestive system providing a real-time image.
• CT (Computed Tomography) - which provides cross-sectional views (slices) of the body
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - builds a 2D or 3D map of the different tissue types within the body
• Ultrasound - well known for its use in obstetrics and gynaecology. Also used to check circulation and examine the heart
• Angiography - used to investigate blood vessels.

Diagnostic radiographers provide a service for most departments within the hospital including, accident and emergency, outpatients, operating theatres and wards. Close liaison and collaboration with a wide range of other health care professionals is therefore vital.

X-rays and ultrasound are just two of the imaging techniques used by diagnostic radiographers to look at injuries or disease, or monitor changes inside the body. While most diagnostic radiographers carry out a range of procedures, they may specialise in techniques such as computerised tomography scanning, or magnetic resonance imaging which uses magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce cross-sectional images of the body.

Sonography/ultrasonography

Ultrasound is used in various settings in a hospital, including abdominal scanning and breast ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging is the use of high frequency sound in excess of human hearing to produce images of structures of the human body that may be observed on a screen. These images may subsequently be transferred to photographic film, paper, video or a CD forming part of the patients' record of their examination.

There are no direct entry routes into ultrasound. Most sonographers train as a radiographer then undertake an approved post-registration course, offered by higher education institutions. The courses are a minimum of one academic year and prepare sonographers clinically and academically for practice. Normally a pre-requisite for acceptance is access to a clinical department with supervised practice for students.

Diagnostic radiography is a fast-moving and continually changing profession, and long-term career prospects include:

• management
• research
• clinical work
• teaching

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
• Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
• Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
• Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
• Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.

Further Information

• Radiographer - Diagnostic - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Training & Development Pathways

Higher Education CAO Entry: Radiography (Graduate Entry), Radiography, Diagnostic Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Biomedical Science NFQ Level 8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Diagnostic Radiography, Paediatric Radiography, Fertility Ultrasound, Gynaecological Pregnancy Ultrasound, Medicine & Health - Research, Obstetric Ultrasound, Radiation Safety Medical Physics, Computed Tomography, Medicine - Research (Special purpose) and Major postgrad courses at NFQ levels 9-10

The Irish Institute of Radiography encourages their members to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure that they keep up-to-date with new technologies.

Last Updated: August, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €41k - €74k

Salaries vary based on employer (state / private), location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
HSE.ie/ Indeed/ Talent.com

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was above the national average for this occupation, although employment in 2022 were similar to 2021 levels. The CSO Census data shows that employment was spread across a large number of roles in 2022, with increases across all within this occupation since 2016.

While the numbers employed have increased since 2016, for the most part, the supply from the education and training system has not, and plans to expand training will not have an impact on the potential supply to the labour market in the short-term, given the duration of training required. This has led to issues for a number of roles within this group; for instance, there is an increasing number of students opting to study veterinary medicine in Poland due to the lack of available places to study in Ireland.

Psychologists and pharmacists were added to the employment permits Critical Skills list in June 2022 although new permits issued in 2022 primarily related to radiographers/sonographers, with a small number issued for dentists and pharmacists. With a quarter of those employed aged 55 years or older, replacement demand alone will create job opportunities in the coming years. Demand remains high across these occupations and issues with recruitment are occurring; however, as the numbers employed are too small across the roles for detailed analysis, evidence of shortages are difficult to determine.

• Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT)

  • 28 Milbrook Court, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
  • (01) 679 0433
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals

  • Infinity Building, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
  • (01) 293 3160
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here