An assistant practitioner in radiography is pivotal to the delivery of high quality, patient-centred care.
They have a high skill level within a defined scope of practice. They will complete accredited education and training in radiography appropriate for their required scope of practice.
As part of the career pathway, the assistant practitioner role can be a route to a registered radiographer.
There are defined roles for assistant practitioners within screening programmes such as the:
- Screening technician role within the Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme in England.
- Mammography associate/assistant practitioner role in breast screening
Within diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, there are various roles for assistant practitioners that support service delivery. They provide patient care, including imaging examinations and clinical procedures, under the supervision of a radiographer or associated practitioner such as a nuclear medicine technologist or sonographer.
The assistant practitioner role is crucial in the overall radiography workforce structure. Assistant practitioners are an essential adjunct to the development of enhanced, advanced and consultant roles for radiographers.
For more on the career structure and the role of assistant practitioners, see the documents:
- Education and Career Framework for the Radiography Workforce (4th edition)
- Developing career pathways for diagnostic imaging support worker roles guidance on roles and responsibilities
For more information on Assistant practitioner accreditation, please click here.
You can also search for accredited practitioners via the Accredited AP register
To apply for accreditation as an assistant practitioner please access CPD Now and start your application via the menu on the right side.
For a wider view of the NHS support and assistant workforce and supporting material visit:
- England: Developing the role of AHP Support Workers
- Scotland: Nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals (NMAHP) development framework
- Wales: Assistant Practitioner roles in the Welsh Health Sector
- Northern Ireland: Health and Social Care
Additional information and useful links:
