NHS Diagnostic Radiographer Jobs 2026
Demand for diagnostic radiographers is growing across the NHS as imaging technology and diagnostic capacity expand, with Trusts such as Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust actively recruiting Band 5 and 6 radiographers. If you’re an HCPC-registered or HCPC-eligible radiographer, here’s what the role involves and how to apply.
Job Overview
Diagnostic radiographers perform X-ray, CT, and other imaging procedures across general radiography, accident and emergency, orthopaedic, and cross-sectional imaging (CT) settings. Recent postings include a 12-month Band 5 radiographer role at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath (Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust) and CT team roles across Leeds Teaching Hospitals’ Leeds General Infirmary, St James’s, and Seacroft Hospital sites.
About the Employer
NHS Trusts operate diagnostic imaging departments as part of both acute hospital care and community diagnostic centres, a growing model designed to expand imaging capacity outside traditional hospital settings. Every NHS Trust in England holds a Home Office sponsor licence, supporting international recruitment into radiography roles where domestic supply has not kept pace with rising imaging demand.
Job Responsibilities
- Performing X-ray and other imaging procedures for major trauma, emergency, and elective patients
- Working within cross-sectional imaging teams (CT) across multiple hospital sites
- Following radiation protection and patient safety protocols at all times
- Supporting training of undergraduate and junior medical staff where required
- Participating in rotational or 24/7 working rotas depending on the department
Requirements
- Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Diagnostic Radiographer, or eligibility to register
- A recognised qualification such as a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent
- A genuine job offer from an NHS Trust holding a valid sponsor licence
- English language proficiency meeting HCPC and Home Office requirements
- For some posts, membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme (Scotland) or equivalent UK safeguarding checks
Preferred Skills
- Recent practical radiography experience in an NHS or equivalent clinical setting
- Experience in accident and emergency or trauma imaging
- Cannulation experience, valued for CT and contrast-imaging roles
- Comfort working across multiple hospital sites within a Trust
Salary Information
Diagnostic radiographers are paid on the Agenda for Change scale. Recent Band 5 postings have listed salaries in the range of approximately £31,000 to £38,400 per year depending on location, with Band 6 roles paying higher. Confirm the exact figure and any location-based supplement on the specific listing you apply to.
Employee Benefits
- NHS Pension Scheme
- Health and Care Worker visa route for eligible roles, with reduced fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Structured training support, including rotational exposure across general, trauma, and cross-sectional imaging
- Support for continuing professional development required to maintain HCPC registration
Work Location
Positions are on-site at NHS hospitals and community diagnostic centres, with recent activity including Haywards Heath (Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust), Leeds (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, across LGI, St James’s, and Seacroft Hospital sites), and other Trusts across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Employment Type
A mix of permanent and fixed-term contracts (some initially 12 months), often full-time, with part-time options available in some departments.
Visa Sponsorship Information
Diagnostic radiography is a growing area of demand and one of the allied health professions the NHS actively sponsors under the Health and Care Worker visa. That said, sponsorship availability is decided post by post — some adverts explicitly confirm the Trust can sponsor, while others advise applicants requiring sponsorship to carefully review the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa eligibility criteria before applying, since not every post meets the required salary threshold. Always read the sponsorship section of the specific job advert and, if unclear, contact the recruiting Trust directly.
Application Deadline
Radiography vacancies are posted on a rolling basis with individual closing dates, commonly two to four weeks after posting. Apply promptly, as popular imaging roles at teaching hospitals can attract high application volumes.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Confirm or begin your HCPC registration process as a Diagnostic Radiographer.
- Search NHS Jobs for radiographer vacancies, filtering by band, modality (X-ray, CT), and location.
- Check the advert’s sponsorship statement carefully before applying.
- Submit your application with a supporting statement addressing the person specification, including any relevant NHS or equivalent clinical experience.
- Attend an interview, which may include a practical or scenario-based assessment.
- If offered the role, confirm your Certificate of Sponsorship details before applying for your visa.
Why This Job Is Worth Applying For
Growing investment in imaging technology and community diagnostic centres means diagnostic radiography is one of the more consistently expanding allied health professions in the NHS, offering rotational exposure across general, trauma, and cross-sectional imaging within a single career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need HCPC registration before I can apply?
You need to be registered or actively working toward eligibility, since HCPC registration is a legal requirement to practise as a radiographer in the UK.
Are all radiography roles based in hospitals?
No. Many roles now include community diagnostic centres alongside traditional hospital-based imaging departments.
Does every Trust sponsor visas for radiographers?
No. It varies by Trust, post, and salary band. Always check the specific job advert’s sponsorship statement.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Apply only through the official NHS Jobs website, and never pay a fee to apply or to secure a job offer.
Conclusion
With imaging demand rising across the NHS, diagnostic radiography offers a genuine and growing route into UK healthcare for HCPC-registered professionals. Confirm your registration status and the sponsorship terms of the specific role, then apply directly through the official NHS Jobs portal.
Note: Applications are submitted directly through the official NHS Jobs website or the individual Trust’s recruitment portal. newsfeeds.us/ does not process applications and never charges a fee to apply.