NHS Therapeutic Radiographer — Clinical Oncology Expert

Applicants should possess one of the following qualifications from a recognised university:

• BSc Radiotherapy Technology
• BSc Radiotherapy
• Bachelor of Radiation Therapy
• Bachelor of Medical Radiotherapy Technology
• Bachelor of Radiation Sciences (Therapeutic Radiography)

• MSc Radiotherapy
• MSc Radiation Oncology Technology
• MSc Medical Radiation Sciences
• MSc Advanced Radiotherapy Practice

Equivalent qualifications may be considered following credential evaluation.

Applicants should:

• Hold registration with the relevant professional or statutory authority where applicable in India.
• Be eligible to apply for UK registration.

Applicants should have:

• Minimum two years' post-qualification clinical experience.
• Current employment in a recognised oncology or cancer centre.
• Experience treating a broad range of tumour sites.

Applicants should demonstrate competence in:

• External Beam Radiotherapy
• Patient positioning and immobilisation
• CT simulation
• Treatment verification
• Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
• Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
• Surface Guided Radiotherapy (where available)
• Linear accelerator operation
• Treatment delivery
• Radiation safety
• Quality assurance procedures
• Patient communication
• Documentation
• Management of treatment-related side effects

Preference should be given to applicants with experience in:

• IMRT
• VMAT
• SRS/SBRT
• Adaptive Radiotherapy
• Brachytherapy
• MR-guided Radiotherapy
• Treatment planning systems
• Research
• Clinical audit
• Student supervision

Therapeutic Radiographers are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

HCPC registration is mandatory before an individual can use the protected title "Therapeutic Radiographer" and practise in the UK.

Unlike ARTP registration for respiratory physiologists, HCPC registration includes an English language requirement. Applicants must demonstrate that they can communicate safely and effectively in English.

Evidence may include:

• IELTS Academic meeting HCPC requirements.
• OET meeting HCPC requirements.
• Other evidence accepted by the HCPC demonstrating English language proficiency.

Candidates should satisfy HCPC English language standards before commencing independent clinical practice.

• NHS structure
• UK radiotherapy pathways
• Clinical governance
• Patient safety
• Infection prevention
• Consent
• Safeguarding
• Documentation
• Electronic patient records
• Communication skills
• Multidisciplinary working

Supervised clinical practice including:

• CT simulation
• Immobilisation techniques
• Treatment setup
• IGRT
• CBCT review
• Image matching
• Treatment verification
• Linac workflows
• Radiotherapy quality assurance
• Radiation protection
• Emergency procedures

Participants will:

• Deliver treatment under supervision.
• Complete competency assessments.
• Undertake workplace-based assessments.
• Complete a professional portfolio.
• Demonstrate readiness for independent NHS practice.

All candidates will:

• Obtain HCPC registration before practising independently.
• Complete NHS local competency sign-off.
• Participate in continuing professional development.
• Meet all Trust governance requirements.

The programme should be delivered jointly by:

• NHS Radiotherapy Centres
• HCPC
• UK Universities
• Indian Universities
• Indian Cancer Centres

Each participant should be allocated:

• Clinical Supervisor
• Practice Educator
• Professional Mentor
• Competency Assessor

• Increased radiotherapy workforce capacity.
• Reduced treatment delays.
• Improved cancer service resilience.
• Enhanced workforce sustainability.

• Structured transition to UK practice.
• Professional development.
• Career progression within the NHS.
• Access to advanced radiotherapy technologies.

• International workforce development.
• Academic partnerships.
• Opportunities for collaborative education, research and exchange programmes.

Following successful evaluation of the pilot cohort of 40 Therapeutic Radiographers, the programme could expand into a sustainable India–UK workforce partnership supporting NHS radiotherapy services while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, professional regulation and clinical governance.