The role of an NHS Radiographer (Diagnostic) is one of the most essential and rewarding careers in modern healthcare. Radiographers play a pivotal part in diagnosing illness, guiding treatment plans, and ultimately saving lives through the skilled use of cutting-edge imaging technology such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound. Without accurate diagnostic imaging, doctors and surgeons would struggle to identify the right course of action for patients. As such, Radiographers are not only highly valued but are also trusted professionals whose expertise directly impacts patient outcomes.
Within the NHS, Diagnostic Radiographers are employed across hospitals, clinics, and specialist centres. The typical salary for an NHS Radiographer ranges from Band 5 (approximately £28,000 per year for graduates) through to Band 7 or Band 8 (up to £55,000+ for experienced specialists and senior managers). With opportunities for career progression, research, teaching, and specialist practice, Diagnostic Radiography is a career path that offers both professional fulfilment and financial security.
If you are aspiring to secure an interview within the NHS as a Radiographer, the key to your success lies in creating an outstanding cv template that not only demonstrates your technical ability but also highlights your patient-centred skills, teamwork, and commitment to high standards. Having coached thousands of healthcare professionals over my 25+ years as a UK-based career strategist, I can confidently tell you that a powerful cv example can be the difference between rejection and receiving that all-important interview invitation.
Why your NHS Radiographer CV matters
The NHS recruitment process is highly competitive. Each vacancy for a Radiographer post often attracts dozens, sometimes hundreds, of applications. Recruiters and hiring managers typically spend only a few seconds scanning a CV before deciding whether it makes the shortlist. Your CV, therefore, needs to quickly convey your suitability, your qualifications, and your professional strengths in a way that is both compelling and easy to digest.
Think of your CV as your personal marketing brochure. It should be a crisp, structured, and well-presented summary of who you are, what you offer, and why you are the right fit for the role. If you want to stand out from the crowd, following a proven cv template tailored for NHS Radiographer roles is your best strategy.
What to include in your NHS Radiographer (Diagnostic) CV
When drafting your CV, make sure it covers the following sections:
Professional Profile
Open with a concise, confident paragraph summarising your career so far, your areas of expertise, and your motivation for working as an NHS Radiographer. Use strong, positive language and keep it tailored to Diagnostic Radiography.
Key Skills and Competencies
Highlight a bulleted list of skills such as:
Diagnostic imaging expertise (X-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound)
Radiation safety and patient protection
Patient-centred communication and empathy
Multi-disciplinary teamwork
Image analysis and reporting
Adherence to NHS protocols and standards
Career History
Provide a chronological list of your employment, starting with the most recent role. For each position, include job title, employer, dates, and 4–6 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on patient care, technical expertise, and any leadership or teaching responsibilities.
Education and Qualifications
Detail your BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography (or equivalent), HCPC registration, and any further training, CPD courses, or postgraduate qualifications.
Professional Memberships and CPD
Mention memberships with the Society of Radiographers or other relevant bodies, as well as any conferences or specialist training you have attended.
Additional Information
This can include IT skills (e.g., PACS systems), languages spoken, voluntary work, or awards.
How to structure your CV for maximum impact
An NHS recruiter needs to be able to scan your CV quickly and find the information that proves your suitability. Follow this structure for clarity and impact:
Contact details at the top
Professional Profile paragraph
Skills section
Career history in reverse chronological order
Education and training
Professional memberships and additional information
Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages. Use a clean, professional font, ensure headings stand out, and avoid clutter. White space is your friend – it makes the document easier to read.
Advice for graduates entering Diagnostic Radiography
As a graduate, you may feel you lack direct NHS experience, but do not underestimate the value of your clinical placements during training. These are vital to showcase on your CV. Focus on:
Practical skills gained during placements
Exposure to different imaging modalities
Patient interaction and communication experience
Examples of teamwork within hospital settings
Employers understand that you may not have years of professional experience, so instead emphasise your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and commitment to safe, effective patient care.
Advice for mid-level professionals
If you have several years of NHS Radiography experience, your CV should reflect both your technical growth and your wider contributions. Examples may include:
Mentoring junior staff or students
Leading projects to improve imaging protocols
Taking responsibility for departmental safety checks
Engaging in research or audit activities
Supporting service improvements
At this stage of your career, your CV should strike a balance between technical capability and leadership potential.
Advice for senior management and specialists
Senior Diagnostic Radiographers, Team Leaders, and Superintendent Radiographers will need a CV that showcases leadership, management, and strategic impact. Focus on:
Departmental management and budget responsibility
Service redesign or efficiency improvements
Training, supervision, and workforce development
Policy implementation and quality assurance
Contribution to cross-departmental projects and collaboration with senior clinicians
Your CV should reflect your ability to not only perform the technical role but to lead, manage, and influence at an organisational level.
The do’s and don’ts of an NHS Radiographer CV
Do:
Tailor your CV to the job description and person specification
Use clear, professional language free from jargon
Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., reduced scan times by 15%)
Proofread carefully – errors undermine professionalism
Use a proven cv example to guide your formatting
Don’t:
Submit a generic CV for multiple applications
Overload with unnecessary detail
Exceed two pages in length
Include irrelevant hobbies or outdated roles
Forget to include HCPC registration details
Final tips for an interview-winning Radiographer CV
Keywords matter: Use terminology from the NHS job description to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Impact statements: Begin bullet points with action verbs such as “led,” “implemented,” “enhanced,” or “developed.”
Consistency: Ensure dates, formatting, and tense are consistent throughout your CV.
Evidence: Demonstrate your impact with measurable achievements where possible.
Why choosing the right CV template and coaching matters
Over the last 25+ years, I have supported countless Radiographers in landing their dream NHS roles. The most common reason people fail to secure interviews is not a lack of ability – it is because their CV does not do justice to their skills and potential. A strong, tailored cv template is your ticket to showing recruiters who you really are.
Whether you are a newly qualified graduate, an experienced professional seeking progression, or a senior manager ready to lead, the right cv example can make all the difference.
Take the next step – secure your NHS Radiographer role today
You’ve worked hard to build your skills and qualifications. Don’t let a weak CV hold you back. I specialise in transforming CVs and LinkedIn profiles into powerful career tools that open doors within the NHS and beyond.
If you are serious about landing your next Radiographer role, I invite you to book a personalised consultation with me. Together, we will refine your CV, optimise your LinkedIn presence, and give you the confidence to stand out in a competitive field.
👉 Book your appointment today and let’s create a CV that gets you noticed.
