The University of Exeter is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the launch of its medical imaging programme, where it has trained more than 1,000 radiographers.
Launched in 2004 to help address the national shortage of radiographers, the university has active placements in 10 NHS trusts across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.
The UK government has recognised the NHS’ need for 25 per cent more clinical radiographers – 4,000 more than are currently active - which the University of Exeter is helping to reach through its courses.
Preparing for advanced practice
In the last four years, the team at Exeter launched the country’s first innovative degree apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography, which provides the opportunity to “earn while you learn” and a mix of time in NHS and academic settings.
This results in a full degree and a pre-registration MSc degree apprenticeship, as well as an MSci, to help prepare radiographers for enhanced practice.
Professor Karen Knapp, head of the Department of Health and Care Professions at the University of Exeter, said: “Nearly everyone who is admitted to hospital will require some form of imaging procedure, yet the NHS is facing a real shortage of radiographers.
“For the last 20 years, our programme has been training high quality graduates to step into these roles, and we’re so proud of all they’ve achieved. We’re now celebrating how we’ve continued to innovate and grow, in both research and education.”
'Really built my skills and confidence'
Research output from the team has also grown, with projects including early detection of osteoporosis using X-Rays, innovative imaging techniques to plan radiotherapy for breast cancer and using artificial intelligence in imaging to detect anomalies in scans effectively.
Chaleigh O’Brien was among the first group of students to enrol on the programme in 2004, graduating in 2007.
She said: “I chose Exeter’s brand-new medical imaging course because I wanted to be part of something pioneering and innovative – and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The programme really built my skills and confidence. My career so far has taken me through paediatrics and ultrasound, before moving into veterinary scanning and back to ultrasound.
“Now I’ve come full circle – I’m now a lecturer and practitioner in medical imaging, splitting my time between lecturing and clinical practice in ultrasound and I love seeing how much things have progressed for our current students.”
'Nothing short of transformative'
Hannah Grocutt was among the first students to take the degree apprenticeship programme, meaning she could continue working in Cornwall while she learned, and could earn a salary throughout the programme.
Hannah took an access course while pregnant with her first child, who was two years old when she found out about the degree apprenticeship.
“It was absolutely crucial for me to be able to work and support my young family while learning,” she said. “The apprenticeship was the first of its kind in the country, and for me, the journey has been nothing short of transformative. Being part of this pioneering programme has been a dream come true.
“Through the inspirational mentorship of the tutors, I discovered my passion for research, and that being a radiographer isn’t just about capturing images – it’s about being a vital part of a patient’s journey, providing comfort and reassurance.”
The BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) course is approved by the Health & Care Professions Council and the Society of Radiographers.
(Image: Photo by the University of Exeter)