RAF Radiographer – Join the Royal Air Force Healthcare Team in 2025

Full Time

Monthly Salary :

$25000 - $30000

Posted 1 week ago

Job Overview

The Royal Air Force is currently recruiting talented and motivated individuals to join as Radiographers — a key role within the RAF’s advanced medical and diagnostic team.

As a Radiographer in the Royal Air Force, you’ll work with some of the most sophisticated imaging technology available, producing diagnostic images that help clinicians make life-saving decisions. Whether assisting during emergency operations or providing care in a hospital setting, your work will directly support both RAF personnel and civilian patients in the UK and overseas.

This role isn’t just a healthcare career — it’s a chance to serve your country, travel the world, and build an extraordinary skill set that stands out in both military and civilian life.

About the Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the UK Armed Forces and one of the most respected defence organizations in the world. Beyond its combat and operational duties, the RAF is also home to one of the most capable medical services in the military, providing care and support wherever duty calls.

RAF healthcare professionals work in modern, well-equipped medical centres, field hospitals, and specialist facilities across the world. Joining as a Radiographer means becoming part of a proud team that values precision, compassion, and teamwork.

Salary and Benefits

Initial Pay: £26,300+ during basic training
After Specialist Training: £29,000+ per year

Additional Benefits:

Free or subsidised accommodation
Subsidised meals
Free gym and fitness facilities
Full healthcare and dental care
Paid world travel
Excellent pension scheme
Continuous professional development opportunities

Note: This role is recruiting for the potential training year 2024/2025 intake.

What You’ll Do

As an RAF Radiographer, you will perform duties similar to those of civilian radiographers, but within a dynamic, fast-paced, and diverse environment.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

Operating advanced diagnostic imaging equipment
Producing accurate medical images for diagnosis and treatment
Working closely with doctors, nurses, and clinicians in departments like Emergency, ITU, Operating Theatres, and Outpatients
Supporting both military personnel and civilians during operations and humanitarian missions
Maintaining patient safety and following strict clinical standards

You’ll gain experience across different RAF medical units and hospitals, with opportunities to work in challenging but rewarding conditions both in the UK and abroad.

Eligibility and Requirements

Age Requirement:

17 – 47 years old (must attest before 48th birthday)

Education Requirements:

Qualified Applicants:
Must hold a BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Radiography
Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Unqualified Applicants:

5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above (including English, Maths, and Science)
Three A-Levels (Grade BBB), including Science
Will train at Birmingham City University, the RAF’s designated education partner

Other Requirements:

Must meet nationality and residency standards
Must pass a health and fitness test
Commit to a minimum of 12 years of service

If you’re passionate about healthcare, teamwork, and a career that challenges and rewards you, the RAF Radiographer pathway could be the perfect fit.

Training and Career Path

The RAF invests heavily in every recruit’s growth. Whether you’re qualified or entering as a trainee, your training will be thorough and fully funded.

Phase 1: Basic Recruit Training – 10 Weeks

Location: RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire
This initial stage builds physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork. You’ll learn core RAF values and life skills needed for service.

Phase 2: Specialist Training – Radiography

After basic training, you’ll begin your professional radiography studies through the RAF’s education partner. Training includes both classroom learning and clinical placements.

First Posting

Once qualified, you’ll be stationed at one of the RAF’s leading medical facilities, such as the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) in Birmingham or Oxford, where you’ll develop hands-on experience under supervision.

Ongoing Professional Development

To stay registered with the HCPC, you’ll participate in regular continuing education programs. The RAF encourages further specialization and leadership training.

Career Growth

Advance through higher ranks with experience and leadership performance
Train as a senior radiographer or clinical instructor
Move into healthcare management, research, or teaching
Gain internationally recognized qualifications transferable to civilian healthcare

Why Choose the RAF Radiography Career

The RAF offers more than just a stable job — it’s a way of life built on teamwork, respect, and service. You’ll work with world-class technology, receive unmatched training, and develop both personally and professionally.

Highlights of RAF Life:

Subsidised housing from £75 per month
Free gym and sports facilities
Subsidised meals and dining halls
Comprehensive healthcare
Adventure training and global travel opportunities
Job Security with long-term service benefits

The experience you gain as an RAF Radiographer also opens doors to civilian healthcare roles after your military service — giving you a lifelong career advantage.

Application Process

Step 1: Selection Interviews

Initial interview at a local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) to assess your skills, motivation, and interest in the RAF.

Step 2: Health Assessment

A complete medical exam ensures you meet military health standards.

Step 3: Fitness Test

A 2.4 km run to measure fitness levels, plus general strength and endurance checks.

Step 4: Specialist Interview

A role-specific interview to evaluate your understanding of radiography and the RAF’s values.

Step 5: Acceptance Interview

Final confirmation of your commitment before joining.

Step 6: Training Begins

You’ll start your 10-week Basic Recruit Training at RAF Halton before moving on to professional studies.

Career Outlook

A Radiography career in the RAF provides incredible experience, professional stability, and lifelong transferable skills. You’ll be qualified to work in both military and NHS hospitals, private clinics, or academic research after service.

Your role supports a vital mission: delivering world-class healthcare wherever the RAF operates.

FAQs

Q1: Is this an Air Force job?

Yes. This position is part of the Royal Air Force Medical Services, under the UK’s Air Force branch.

Q2: Do I need to be qualified before applying?

Not necessarily. The RAF offers training for unqualified applicants through its education program.

Q3: Can women apply for this role?

Yes. The RAF encourages applications from all genders.

Q4: Will I work overseas?

Yes, Radiographers may be deployed worldwide for humanitarian and operational missions.

Q5: How long is the service commitment?

The initial engagement is 12 years, with the option to extend.

Q6: What kind of working environment should I expect?

A mix of hospital-based work, field operations, and training environments.