Band 5 - Bone Densitometry Technician (DEXA), Rheumatology

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; St Albans; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Band 5 Bone Densitometry Technician (DEXA) in Rheumatology to provide specialist scanning support and operate under IR(ME) Regulations. The service operates standard core hours with potential weekend work.

You will perform Bone Density scans, analyse and present images, and strive for timely, accurate diagnosis while maintaining patient safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• BTEC (CNC) or equivalent is required.
• Completion of National Training Scheme course in Bone Densitometry is required.
• Experience as Radiographer/Technician in Bone Densitometry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform Bone Density scans and procedures according to departmental protocols.
• Analyse and present Dexa images with accurate documentation.
• Maintain high clinical standards and safety in line with IR(ME) Regulations.
• Assist in training staff and liaise with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Keep CPD records up to date and participate in audits.

Education

BTEC (CNC) or equivalent

Completion of course for National Training Scheme in Bone Densitometry

Tools

CRIS

Job description

Go back West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Band 5 - Bone Densitometry Technician (DEXA), Rheumatology

The closing date is 24 September 2026

We are recruiting for a Bone Densitometry (DEXA) Scanning Technician. This role is to provide specialised technical support in Bone Densitometry, involving a broad range of highly complex specialised technical work. The post holder will act as an operator for scanning under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017.The service core hours run between 08:30-20:00 Monday - Friday with the possibility for weekend working. This post is available on either a full-time or part-time basis, please get in touch with any questions about the working patterns, or options for flexibility

Main duties of the job

Perform Bone Density scan and procedures according to the relevant departmental protocols; this includes acquisition, analysis and presentation of Dexa images.

The software is specialised, including application software(e.g. Microsoft Office) and utility software (e.g. Radiology). Therefore, the post holder must be capable of learning to use this software. For example, spreadsheets in Excel, and proprietary software record updates like CRIS.

Provide an efficient patient focussed service and to ensure a close and good working relationship is developed with relevant team members and other hospital staff.

To obtain the optimum information from each individual patient investigation to facilitate speedy and accurate diagnosis of their clinical condition.

To be actively involved in the continual development of all aspects of the Bone Densitometry Service in liaison with the Dexa Lead and the Assistant Divisional Manager.

To maintain high clinical standards, particularly regarding patient care, clinical risk and Health and Safety.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking

Job responsibilities

To always uphold the Trust values, always exhibiting professionalism and compassionate behaviour.

To ensure that the IR(ME) Regulations 2017 are understood and observed by the post holder and anyone they are responsible for, including other staff, patients and members of the public and to be aware of any updating of these regulations.

To undertake imaging examinations within DEXA department to the standard required by the Department of Radiology.

Appropriately assess and interview patients prior to scan, giving adequate explanation of scan procedure and ensuring correct preparation.

To be responsible at all times for the patients welfare and comfort.

To assess the validity of Bone Density requests and discuss unjustifiable with the referring clinician.

To assist in the setting-up and maintenance of quality assurance programmes and to participate in audit projects as directed.

To assist, where required, in the training of staff in the use of equipment in the DEXA Department.

To keep up to date with professional developments and to attend seminars and courses where required.

To assist in the supervision of junior staff and students and to provide help and advice if required.

Maintain an up-to-date record of CPD activities in line with the requirements of the HCPC.

To carry out monitoring procedures on equipment, reporting any faults to the Service Managers. To respond to and investigate any reports of malfunction of the apparatus, accessories, office equipment or computer system.

To maintain computer records in compliance with the Data Protection Act.

To check and maintain stock levels and to ensure work areas and equipment are kept clean and tidy and in good safe working order.

Liaise with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure a high level of service is available to the patient and liaise closely with clerical staff.

Utilise all equipment associated with the Bone Density Unit in a safe and appropriate manner to maximise effect.

Person Specification

Education

• BTEC (CNC) or equivalent.
• Completion of course for National Training Scheme in Bone Densitometry

Knowledge

• NHS Constitution
• Good understanding of hazards posed by, and precautions needed with ionising radiation.
• Aware of good customer care practice
• Knowledge of issues pertaining to the speciality Osteoporosis and Rheumatology
• Knowledge of scientific and clinical aspects of the service and related professional issues.

Experience

• High standard radiographic skills
• Experience working as Radiographer/Technician in Bone Densitometry
• Experience of working within a busy environment
• Dealing with members of the public.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust