The job

Radiographers take and process the X-ray images needed for diagnostic purposes. As a Radiographer, you'll work in either the tri-Service Centre for Defence Imaging in Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, the Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs) at Peterborough and Portsmouth or overseas in The Princess Mary's Hospital at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. You may also get the opportunity to work in the other military MDHUs at Derriford, Frimley Park and Northallerton. Within your first few years of service, and following appropriate training, you'll probably be detached overseas for anything from a few days to a few months. It's on operations and exercises that your skills as a military radiographer will be really tested: it will be your responsibility to produce images as near to hospital standard as possible in a range of challenging environments anywhere in the world.

Train and qualify with the RAF

The RAF provides training for student radiographers through Birmingham City University, which has full accreditation by civilian organisations. Training for an Honours Degree in Diagnostic Radiography takes three academic years and you will be expected to complete a minimum of three years service post-graduation.

Professional qualifications

If you already hold a degree or graduate diploma in radiography when you join, you'll start your career at the rank of Corporal, with the opportunity to be promoted to Sergeant two years later.

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