Radiographers use different kinds of radiation to diagnose, or treat, ill or injured patients.

There are two kinds of radiography:

Diagnostic radiography, which is the use of radiation to investigate a patientâ€™s illness or injury, and:

Therapeutic radiography, which is the use of various kinds of radiation to treat an illness or injury.

Combine a passion for technology with sharp analytical skills and a desire to help others, and youâ€™ll have the ideal applicant for a radiography and medical technology degree. Far from being simply technicians, radiographers can play a huge part in a patientâ€™s journey â€“ in fact, therapeutic radiographers will build up extensive personal relationships with patients, as they work with them daily to administer their required treatment. This is often using x-rays (and other ionising radiation) to treat cancer and tumours.

Diagnostic radiographers, on the other hand, will the use the techniques and technology at their disposal to figure out the cause of a patientâ€™s illness, which could involve using x-rays, MRI machines, or ultrasound. Diagnostic radiographers often work in the radiology and imaging department, and use their skills to supplement patient care for most other departments in the hospital, including accident and emergency, and operating theatres.

A dedicated medical technology degree is currently unavailable at undergraduate level in the UK, but is something you could progress on to studying as a postgraduate, with either a masterâ€™s or a PhD.

Radiography and medical technology