Apprentice Therapeutic Radiographer - Eastbourne

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS SUSSEX NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Eastbourne (BN21 2UD)

Closes in 12 days (Tuesday 16 September 2025)

Posted on 3 September 2025

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Summary

Join the expert team at the Sussex Cancer Centre, part of UHSussex, and expand your career in one of the region’s leading oncology units. Based in sunny Eastbourne, you’ll support patients through their cancer journey while developing your skills in a supportive, innovative environment. Our sites are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Wage

£24,937 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£24,937 - £26,598 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly

Training course
Therapeutic radiographer (level 6)
Hours
Shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Sunday 1 March 2026

Duration

3 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • To support the radiotherapy team with the day to day running of the radiotherapy department whilst developing skills and competencies to become an autonomous practitioner.
  • Take personal responsibility for ensuring that patients are always treated with courtesy, their individual needs are respected, and confidentiality is always maintained.
  • Be able to cannulate patients or be willing to undergo training in order to perform this duty.
  • Ensure patients are correctly identified, pregnancy checked and consented for treatment in accordance with IRMER, local radiation rules and department policy.

Where you'll work

Eastbourne District General Hospital Kings Dr Eastbourne
Eastbourne
BN21 2UD

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Training course

Therapeutic radiographer (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Identify the limits of own practice and when to seek advice or refer to another professional or service.
  • Recognise the need to manage own workload and resources safely and effectively, including managing the emotional burden that comes with working in a pressured environment.
  • Keep own skills and knowledge up to date.
  • Maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct.
  • Engage in safeguarding processes where necessary.
  • Promote and protect the service user’s interests at all times.
  • Respect and uphold the rights, dignity, values, and autonomy of service users, including own role in the assessment, treatment or therapeutic process.
  • Recognise that relationships with service users, carers and others should be based on mutual respect and trust, and maintain high standards of care in all circumstances.
  • Obtain valid consent, which is voluntary and informed, has due regard to capacity, is proportionate to the circumstances and is appropriately documented.
  • Exercise a duty of care.
  • Apply legislation, policies and guidance relevant to own profession and scope of practice.
  • Recognise the power imbalance which comes with being a health care professional, and ensure it is not for personal gain.
  • Practise in accordance with current legislation governing the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation for medical and other purposes.
  • Identify own anxiety and stress and recognise the potential impact on own practice.
  • Develop and adopt clear strategies for physical and mental self-care and self-awareness, to maintain a high standard of professional effectiveness and a safe working environment.
  • Recognise that they are personally responsible for, and must be able to, justify their decisions and actions.
  • Use own skills, knowledge and experience, and the information available, to make informed decisions and/or take action where necessary.
  • Make reasoned decisions to initiate, continue, modify or cease treatment or the use of techniques or procedures, and record the decisions and reasoning appropriately.
  • Make and receive appropriate referrals, where necessary.
  • Exercise personal initiative.
  • Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem solving.
  • Use research, reasoning and problem-solving skills when determining appropriate actions.
  • Respond appropriately to the needs of all different groups and individuals in practice, recognising this can be affected by difference of any kind including, but not limited to, protected characteristics, intersectional experiences and cultural differences.
  • Recognise the potential impact of own values, beliefs and personal biases, which may be unconscious), on practice and take personal action to ensure all service users and carers are treated appropriately with respect and dignity.
  • Make and support reasonable adjustments in own and others’ practice.
  • Actively challenge barriers to inclusion, supporting the implementation of change wherever possible.
  • Adhere to the professional duty of confidentiality.
  • Respond in a timely manner to situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public and recognise situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public.
  • Use effective and appropriate verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Communicate in English to the required standard for the profession.
  • Work with service users and / or own carers to facilitate the service user’s preferred role in decision-making, and provide service users and carers with the information they may need where appropriate.
  • Modify own means of communication to address the individual communication needs and preferences of service users and carers, and remove any barriers to communication where possible.
  • Use information, communication and digital technologies appropriate to own practice.
  • Formulate and provide information and support for service users about their treatment and/or imaging process and procedures, with regular reappraisal of their information needs as appropriate.
  • Advise other healthcare professionals about the relevance and application of radiotherapy and, where relevant, imaging modalities to the service user’s needs.
  • Provide appropriate information and support for service users throughout their radiotherapy treatment and care.
  • Keep full, clear and accurate records in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Manage records and all other information in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Use digital record keeping tools, where required.
  • Work in partnership with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Contribute effectively to work undertaken as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Identify anxiety and stress in service users, carers and colleagues, adapting own practice and providing support where appropriate.
  • Identify own leadership qualities, behaviours and approaches, taking into account the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviours appropriate to own practice.
  • Act as a role model for others.
  • Promote and engage in the learning of others.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the need to empower service users to participate in the decision-making processes related to their profession.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the need to encourage, support and mentor staff at all practitioner levels.
  • Demonstrate awareness of roles and responsibilities where work is delegated and how this applies in practice.
  • Interpret and act upon information from other healthcare professionals and service users, in order to maximise health gain whilst minimising risks to the service user, such as from radiation dose.
  • Engage in evidence-based practice.
  • Gather and use feedback and information, including qualitative and quantitative data, to evaluate the responses of service users to own care.
  • Monitor and systematically evaluate the quality of practice, and maintain an effective quality management and quality assurance process working towards continual improvement.
  • Participate in quality management, including quality control, quality assurance, clinical governance and the use of appropriate outcome measures.
  • Evaluate care plans or intervention plans using recognised and appropriate outcome measures, in conjunction with the service user where possible, and revise the plans as necessary.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the philosophy and the development of the profession of radiography to inform understanding of current practice.
  • Apply the principles of ionising radiation production, interaction with matter, beam modification, administration of radionuclides and radiation protection.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal appearances on images.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the current developments and trends in the science and practice of radiography.
  • Recognise and respond to adverse or abnormal reactions to medications used in relation to their profession.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning technology, and it’s application to practice.
  • Change own practice as needed to take account of new developments, technologies and changing contexts.
  • Gather appropriate information.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected.
  • Select and use appropriate assessment techniques and equipment.
  • Undertake and record a thorough, sensitive, and detailed assessment.
  • Undertake or arrange investigations as appropriate.
  • Conduct appropriate assessment or monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy or other actions safely and effectively.
  • Critically evaluate research and other evidence to inform own practice.
  • Engage service users in research as appropriate.
  • Formulate specific and appropriate management plans including the setting of timescales.
  • Assess, monitor and care for the service user across the pathway of care relevant to their profession.
  • Undertake and record a thorough, sensitive and detailed clinical assessment, selecting and using appropriate techniques and equipment.
  • Use physical, graphical, verbal and electronic methods to collect and analyse information from a range of relevant sources including service user’s clinical history, diagnostic images and reports, pathological tests and results, dose recording and treatment verification systems.
  • Interrogate and process data and information gathered accurately in order to conduct the procedures most appropriate to the service user’s needs.
  • Appraise image information for clinical manifestations and technical accuracy, and take further action as required.
  • Manage complex and unpredictable situations including the ability to adapt planned procedures.
  • Operate radiotherapy equipment safely and accurately.
  • Check that equipment is functioning accurately and within the specifications, and to take appropriate action in the case of faulty functioning and operation.
  • Select and explain the rationale for radiographic techniques and immobilisation procedures appropriate to the service user’s physical and disease management requirements.
  • Position and immobilise service users correctly for safe and accurate procedures.
  • Plan appropriate radiotherapy procedures.
  • Assist in the construction of appropriate immobilisation, including beam modifying, devices, individualised to the specific needs of each service user and the treatment regime prescribed.
  • Identify organs at risk (OAR) on images to provide information for radiotherapy treatment planning.
  • Calculate does across a range of radiation modalities, including photons, protons and electrons, utilising a treatment planning system and verify this accordingly with a record and verification system.
  • In relation to radiotherapy planning :-- support service users in understanding radiation exposure, risk and benefit associated with radiation exposure and doses in relation to their imaging examination.- perform multimodality imaging techniques and the image registration process, and where appropriate contrast agent examinations, demonstrating appropriate care to service users and their carers.- manipulate exposure and image recording parameters to optimal effect- perform standard Computed Tomographic (CT) and assist in performing Magnetic Resonance (MR) planning procedures- use to best effect the processing and related technology supporting imaging systems.
  • Generate a treatment plan and verify treatment parameters ensuring optimal radiotherapy prescription delivery.
  • Use to best effect the image processing and related technology, including computer-based imaging systems for radiotherapy purposes.
  • Perform the full range of radiotherapy processes and techniques accurately and safely.
  • Manage and assist with fluoroscopic procedures, including those requiring the use of contrast agents.
  • Interpret and evaluate images obtained during radiotherapy planning and treatment, taking appropriate action to optimise accuracy dose delivery to the target volume.
  • Check that the OAR dose is as planned/prescribed during treatment.
  • Localise the target volume precisely in relation to external surface and anatomical reference markings using a range of techniques including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for the purpose of radiotherapy planning and delivery.
  • Critically evaluate and interpret the radiation prescription in such a way that radiotherapy is delivered accurately and reproducibly.
  • Recognise changing signs, symptoms and progression of disease, and make appropriate decisions not to treat or to review further before proceeding with treatment, including reviewing treatment imaging information.
  • Demonstrate awareness of relevant health and safety legislation and comply with all local operational procedures and policies.
  • Work safely, including being able to select appropriate hazard control and risk management, reduction or elimination techniques in a safe manner and in accordance with health and safety legislation.
  • Select appropriate personal protective equipment and use it correctly.
  • Establish safe environments for practice, which appropriately manages risk.
  • Apply appropriate moving and handling techniques.
  • Ensure the physical safety of all individuals in the therapeutic work environment, especially with regard to radiation safety and high-strength magnetic fields.
  • Use basic life support techniques and be able to deal with clinical emergencies.
  • Empower and enable individuals, including service users and colleagues, to play a part in managing own health.
  • Engage in occupational health, including being aware of immunisation requirements.
  • Identify the limits of own practice and when to seek advice or refer to another professional or service.
  • Recognise the need to manage own workload and resources safely and effectively, including managing the emotional burden that comes with working in a pressured environment.
  • Keep own skills and knowledge up to date.
  • Maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct.
  • Engage in safeguarding processes where necessary.
  • Promote and protect the service user’s interests at all times.
  • Respect and uphold the rights, dignity, values, and autonomy of service users, including own role in the assessment, treatment or therapeutic process.
  • Recognise that relationships with service users, carers and others should be based on mutual respect and trust, and maintain high standards of care in all circumstances.
  • Obtain valid consent, which is voluntary and informed, has due regard to capacity, is proportionate to the circumstances and is appropriately documented.
  • Exercise a duty of care.
  • Apply legislation, policies and guidance relevant to own profession and scope of practice.
  • Recognise the power imbalance which comes with being a health care professional, and ensure it is not for personal gain.
  • Practise in accordance with current legislation governing the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation for medical and other purposes.
  • Identify own anxiety and stress and recognise the potential impact on own practice.
  • Develop and adopt clear strategies for physical and mental self-care and self-awareness, to maintain a high standard of professional effectiveness and a safe working environment.
  • Recognise that they are personally responsible for, and must be able to, justify their decisions and actions.
  • Use own skills, knowledge and experience, and the information available, to make informed decisions and/or take action where necessary.
  • Make reasoned decisions to initiate, continue, modify or cease treatment or the use of techniques or procedures, and record the decisions and reasoning appropriately.
  • Make and receive appropriate referrals, where necessary.
  • Exercise personal initiative.
  • Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem solving.
  • Use research, reasoning and problem-solving skills when determining appropriate actions.
  • Respond appropriately to the needs of all different groups and individuals in practice, recognising this can be affected by difference of any kind including, but not limited to, protected characteristics, intersectional experiences and cultural differences.
  • Recognise the potential impact of own values, beliefs and personal biases, which may be unconscious), on practice and take personal action to ensure all service users and carers are treated appropriately with respect and dignity.
  • Make and support reasonable adjustments in own and others’ practice.
  • Actively challenge barriers to inclusion, supporting the implementation of change wherever possible.
  • Adhere to the professional duty of confidentiality.
  • Respond in a timely manner to situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public and recognise situations where it is necessary to share information to safeguard service users, carers and/or the wider public.
  • Use effective and appropriate verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Communicate in English to the required standard for the profession.
  • Work with service users and / or own carers to facilitate the service user’s preferred role in decision-making, and provide service users and carers with the information they may need where appropriate.
  • Modify own means of communication to address the individual communication needs and preferences of service users and carers, and remove any barriers to communication where possible.
  • Use information, communication and digital technologies appropriate to own practice.
  • Formulate and provide information and support for service users about their treatment and/or imaging process and procedures, with regular reappraisal of their information needs as appropriate.
  • Advise other healthcare professionals about the relevance and application of radiotherapy and, where relevant, imaging modalities to the service user’s needs.
  • Provide appropriate information and support for service users throughout their radiotherapy treatment and care.
  • Keep full, clear and accurate records in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Manage records and all other information in accordance with applicable legislation, protocols and guidelines.
  • Use digital record keeping tools, where required.
  • Work in partnership with service users, carers, colleagues and others.
  • Contribute effectively to work undertaken as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Identify anxiety and stress in service users, carers and colleagues, adapting own practice and providing support where appropriate.
  • Identify own leadership qualities, behaviours and approaches, taking into account the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrate leadership behaviours appropriate to own practice.
  • Act as a role model for others.
  • Promote and engage in the learning of others.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the need to empower service users to participate in the decision-making processes related to their profession.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the need to encourage, support and mentor staff at all practitioner levels.
  • Demonstrate awareness of roles and responsibilities where work is delegated and how this applies in practice.
  • Interpret and act upon information from other healthcare professionals and service users, in order to maximise health gain whilst minimising risks to the service user, such as from radiation dose.
  • Engage in evidence-based practice.
  • Gather and use feedback and information, including qualitative and quantitative data, to evaluate the responses of service users to own care.
  • Monitor and systematically evaluate the quality of practice, and maintain an effective quality management and quality assurance process working towards continual improvement.
  • Participate in quality management, including quality control, quality assurance, clinical governance and the use of appropriate outcome measures.
  • Evaluate care plans or intervention plans using recognised and appropriate outcome measures, in conjunction with the service user where possible, and revise the plans as necessary.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the principles and applications of scientific enquiry, including the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the research process.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the philosophy and the development of the profession of radiography to inform understanding of current practice.
  • Apply the principles of ionising radiation production, interaction with matter, beam modification, administration of radionuclides and radiation protection.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal appearances on images.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the current developments and trends in the science and practice of radiography.
  • Recognise and respond to adverse or abnormal reactions to medications used in relation to their profession.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning technology, and it’s application to practice.
  • Change own practice as needed to take account of new developments, technologies and changing contexts.
  • Gather appropriate information.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected.
  • Select and use appropriate assessment techniques and equipment.
  • Undertake and record a thorough, sensitive, and detailed assessment.
  • Undertake or arrange investigations as appropriate.
  • Conduct appropriate assessment or monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy or other actions safely and effectively.
  • Critically evaluate research and other evidence to inform own practice.
  • Engage service users in research as appropriate.
  • Formulate specific and appropriate management plans including the setting of timescales.
  • Assess, monitor and care for the service user across the pathway of care relevant to their profession.
  • Undertake and record a thorough, sensitive and detailed clinical assessment, selecting and using appropriate techniques and equipment.
  • Use physical, graphical, verbal and electronic methods to collect and analyse information from a range of relevant sources including service user’s clinical history, diagnostic images and reports, pathological tests and results, dose recording and treatment verification systems.
  • Interrogate and process data and information gathered accurately in order to conduct the procedures most appropriate to the service user’s needs.
  • Appraise image information for clinical manifestations and technical accuracy, and take further action as required.
  • Manage complex and unpredictable situations including the ability to adapt planned procedures.
  • Operate radiotherapy equipment safely and accurately.
  • Check that equipment is functioning accurately and within the specifications, and to take appropriate action in the case of faulty functioning and operation.
  • Select and explain the rationale for radiographic techniques and immobilisation procedures appropriate to the service user’s physical and disease management requirements.
  • Position and immobilise service users correctly for safe and accurate procedures.
  • Plan appropriate radiotherapy procedures.
  • Assist in the construction of appropriate immobilisation, including beam modifying, devices, individualised to the specific needs of each service user and the treatment regime prescribed.
  • Identify organs at risk (OAR) on images to provide information for radiotherapy treatment planning.
  • Calculate does across a range of radiation modalities, including photons, protons and electrons, utilising a treatment planning system and verify this accordingly with a record and verification system.
  • In relation to radiotherapy planning :-- support service users in understanding radiation exposure, risk and benefit associated with radiation exposure and doses in relation to their imaging examination.- perform multimodality imaging techniques and the image registration process, and where appropriate contrast agent examinations, demonstrating appropriate care to service users and their carers.- manipulate exposure and image recording parameters to optimal effect- perform standard Computed Tomographic (CT) and assist in performing Magnetic Resonance (MR) planning procedures- use to best effect the processing and related technology supporting imaging systems.
  • Generate a treatment plan and verify treatment parameters ensuring optimal radiotherapy prescription delivery.
  • Use to best effect the image processing and related technology, including computer-based imaging systems for radiotherapy purposes.
  • Perform the full range of radiotherapy processes and techniques accurately and safely.
  • Manage and assist with fluoroscopic procedures, including those requiring the use of contrast agents.
  • Interpret and evaluate images obtained during radiotherapy planning and treatment, taking appropriate action to optimise accuracy dose delivery to the target volume.
  • Check that the OAR dose is as planned/prescribed during treatment.
  • Localise the target volume precisely in relation to external surface and anatomical reference markings using a range of techniques including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for the purpose of radiotherapy planning and delivery.
  • Critically evaluate and interpret the radiation prescription in such a way that radiotherapy is delivered accurately and reproducibly.
  • Recognise changing signs, symptoms and progression of disease, and make appropriate decisions not to treat or to review further before proceeding with treatment, including reviewing treatment imaging information.
  • Demonstrate awareness of relevant health and safety legislation and comply with all local operational procedures and policies.
  • Work safely, including being able to select appropriate hazard control and risk management, reduction or elimination techniques in a safe manner and in accordance with health and safety legislation.
  • Select appropriate personal protective equipment and use it correctly.
  • Establish safe environments for practice, which appropriately manages risk.
  • Apply appropriate moving and handling techniques.
  • Ensure the physical safety of all individuals in the therapeutic work environment, especially with regard to radiation safety and high-strength magnetic fields.
  • Use basic life support techniques and be able to deal with clinical emergencies.
  • Empower and enable individuals, including service users and colleagues, to play a part in managing own health.
  • Engage in occupational health, including being aware of immunisation requirements.

Training schedule

During the apprenticeship period, you will spend 80% of your time working in a Radiotherapy Support Worker role as part of the Radiotherapy team and 20% of your time will be spent learning ‘off the job’ in dedicated learning activities.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade C, Grade 4 or above)
  • Maths (grade C, Grade 4 or above)

BTEC in:

Level 3 diploma (grade Pass, merit)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Organisation skills
  • Team working

Other requirements

All applicants must be 18 years or over at the commencement of the course and have the right to live in the UK and be eligible for apprenticeship funding. All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English at level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C) or ENIC evidence. If English is not your first language, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. Evidence of successful formal study at level 3 A minimum of 6 months experience in a health and social care capacity OR one of the following: 1. 96 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent qualification such as BTEC Nationals, Cambridge Technicals, OCR Nationals and T Levels 2. Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course 3. Level 3 Apprenticeship 4. Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ’s) New or existing Level 4 or 5 qualifications such as HNDs, Foundation Degrees, Certificate HE or Diploma HE 5. Previous Degree Demonstrable understanding of the role of a Therapeutic Radiographer An awareness of what the Therapeutic Radiographer Apprenticeship Programme entails and the scope of practice of a Therapeutic Radiographer.

About this employer

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years. We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation with patient care at our core. Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. In the meantime make sure to check out our Patient First approach that runs through our core as you’ll get to know us better through this, our equality, diversity and inclusion pages which show just why being inclusive is so important to us and how our staff networks help drive change, and our staff wellbeing page that details the many ways in which we invest in your wellbeing.

After this apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme and upon registration as a Therapeutic Radiographer with HCPC, you will transition to the role of a newly qualified band 5 Therapeutic Radiographer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS SUSSEX NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Alison Kler

alison.kler@nhs.net

01273696955

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000340153.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Tuesday 16 September 2025)

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