Two separate strands to study of radiography

Career focus/Radiography: One of the most important things to realise when applying for a radiography degree is that there are two distinct branches of the profession, diagnostic radiography and therapeutic radiography.

Diagnostic radiographers are responsible for the production of high quality images which are used in the diagnosis of injury and disease. Therapeutic radiographers are involved in the planning and delivery of courses of radiography treatment, primarily to cancer patients.

Both jobs are very different and unlike many careers with different branches, you don't do a foundation degree and then decide which branch to pursue. Each branch requires a separate degree course, so you must decide on application which profession you'd prefer. UCD and TCD are currently the only institutes in the State offering radiography degrees. UCD runs a four-year degree in diagnostic radiography at the school of diagnostic imaging, in St Vincent's Hospital and Earlsford Terrace, while TCD offers a four-year degree in therapeutic radiography in association with St Luke's Hospital in Rathgar, Dublin.

Diagnostic radiographers are most commonly associated with X-raying for skeletal damage following trauma. However, their remit is far wider, extending to angiography - the examination of blood vessels, ultrasound, which is used to monitor the foetus in the womb and can be used examine any organs and tissues, breast screening and other health screening. Other rapidly developing areas of work include tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide imaging, all of which require the use of the very latest technology.

"The diagnostic imaging department is probably the most computerised area in the hospital ," Kate Matthews, director of UCD's school of diagnostic imaging, says. However, diagnostic radiographers are still very much involved with patients, she says. "In the face of all this new technology you have to remember that you can be dealing with sick individuals who can be very frightened by all the machines."

As well as conducting the different procedures, diagnostic radiographers have a role in deciding what examinations are justified, says Matthews. The harmful effects of radiation are well known, but Matthews says radiographers are well protected from X-rays and are continuously involved in making radiography procedures safer for the patient.

"X-rays are not good for you, but the doses administered are lower than they have ever been. As a radiographer, you learn how to minimise the dose that patients receive."

In therapeutic radiography, by contrast, radiation is itself the treatment.

"You build up a relationship with a patient usually over a six week course of treatment," Mary Coffey, director of the school of therapeutic radiography at TCD, says.

"You could be involved at any stage of the process; working the treatment machines, explaining to a patient what's going to happen, discussing the side effects that come with treatment, monitoring side effects, referring patients to clinics and working with doctors to identify the area to be treated and devise treatments."

Radiography is a very physically demanding job, she says, as you often need to be able to lift and position patients. Therapeutic radiographers also need to be emotionally strong as they are so often dealing with very ill people. "You have to be a good communicator and have feeling for people, be able to empathise."

As well as these personal qualities an aptitude for and interest in science subjects is essential for both branches of the profession. There is a shortage of radiographers in the State and internationally so most graduates have no problem finding employment.

Olivia Kelly