Careers in radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treatment is planned and delivered to patients by a team of qualified therapeutic radiographers. Therapeutic radiographers are one of 14 allied health professions (AHPs), who are specifically trained to deliver high quality and accurate radiotherapy treatment to a range of cancer patients. They are professionally registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and supported by the Society of Radiographers (SoR).

Key areas of interest include:

• Healthcare / science
• Making a difference to people’s lives
• Working with people
• Working with innovative technology

Personal qualities include:

• Excellent communication skills
• Caring and compassionate personality
• Good team working ability – reliable and show initiative

The James Cook University Hospital is home to a leading radiotherapy department, with access to state-of-the-art technology delivering treatments to over 40,000 patients per year. We offer both student placements and apprenticeship positions with links to Sheffield Hallam University, University of Liverpool and University of West England.

The staff provide an encouraging, safe and welcoming environment for students and apprentices to gain the necessary skills required to successfully complete the course, which compliments the academic learning delivered by the universities. Many of our trainees have gone on to secure employment with us after their studies, and there are many opportunities for career and personal development within the team once in the role.

Routes into the profession include:

• 3 Year BSc University Programme
• 2 Year MSc (pre-reg) University Programme
• 3 Year Degree Apprenticeship Programme

Case studies

Many students who train at Sheffield Hallam University also go on to be successful in gaining employment in the radiotherapy department. Click on their profiles below to find out more.

Clinical scientists, specialising in radiotherapy physics, work closely with the other staff groups in oncology to ensure patients receive high quality, safe and accurate treatment. A large part of the role consists of service development, which involves implementing the latest advances in science and technology and improving radiotherapy workflows. Clinical scientists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and those working in medical physics disciplines are represented by the professional body, the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM). 

Whilst the role is the same, staff can be referred to by different titles depending on context. The most common terms used are radiotherapy physicist, medical physicist, clinical scientist and healthcare scientist.

Key aspects of the job include:

• Software management
• Equipment quality assurance
• Radiation dosimetry and calibration
• Application of UK legislation
• Quality management
• Audit and data analysis
• Clinical support
• Service development

As a department we actively participate in large number of clinical trials and we have a strong reputation as early adopters of new techniques, for example we provide stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for a range of clinical sites, surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT) with the Catalyst system [C-RAD] and ultrasound-guided radiotherapy with Clarity [Elekta]. As such, the day-to-day role of a clinical scientist in radiotherapy at JCUH is varied and dynamic, which provides an exciting environment for new staff looking to join our team. As part of the Northern Training Consortium, we regularly facilitate medical physics training for the NHS Scientist Training Programme and we also support staff looking to achieve clinical registration via the IPEM Guided Training Scheme.

A career as a radiotherapy engineer is a highly rewarding and specialised field within healthcare that combines engineering, technology, and patient care. Radiotherapy engineers play a crucial role in maintaining, repairing, calibration, and ensure the safe operation of the machines that deliver radiation therapy to cancer patients. These machines are linear accelerators (LINACs). The machine is essential for delivering a precise dose of radiation accurately to target cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

What do radiotherapy engineers do?

Skills required for a radiotherapy engineer

A radiotherapy engineer needs a strong foundation in both engineering and technology, combined with attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Key skills include:

• Technical expertise – good foundation knowledge in all aspects of engineering

• Expert problem-solving abilities.

• Good communication skills to discuss and present to all staff groups, which include radiographers, physicists and other healthcare professions.

• Attention to detail: carry out machine calibration, machine set and data collection and analysis.

Education and training

• Apprenticeship in an engineering discipline
• HNC/Degree in a relevant engineering subject.
• Full manufactures training is provided within the role.
• IPEM accreditation 2-year IPEM scheme
• Slinging and lifting
• CPD

Work environment

Includes long hours of concentration when problem solving faults or data analysis.

Sometimes working in a small, cramped space when carrying out repairs.

Lifting loads of around 25kg manually and using lifting equipment to manoeuvre larger machine parts up to 750kg.

Working hours are to cover the service and the clinical delivery, this also includes weekends where preventative maintenance is carried out to reduce clinical downtime.

The job requires attention to detail, and engineers must be comfortable working in a clinical environment where patient care is the top priority.

Career prospects and opportunities

A career as a radiotherapy engineer offers opportunities for advancement and specialisation. There is potential to move into management, research, or development roles, where you could contribute to the design of new radiotherapy technologies.

Impact and rewards

One of the most rewarding aspects of a career as a radiotherapy engineer is the knowledge that your work directly impacts patient care. By ensuring that radiotherapy machines are reliable and accurate, you help patients receive the treatment they need to fight cancer. The role offers both technical challenges and the opportunity to make a real difference in healthcare.

In summary, a career as a radiotherapy engineer is an excellent choice for those who are passionate about technology and healthcare. It combines technical expertise with the chance to contribute to life-saving treatments, making it both a fulfilling and impactful career path