X-ray and Dexa Assistant Practitioner

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust; Torquay; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is advertising a Band 3 trainee X-ray and Dexa Assistant Practitioner role with the potential to progress to Band 4 on qualification. The post supports Registered Practitioners in Diagnostic Imaging, covering plain film, DXA and basic fluoroscopy within a multidisciplinary team.

The role includes delivering safe, patient-centred imaging, working under a radiographer, handling delegated clinical tasks, and adhering to IR(ME)R/IRR 2017 and H&S

Qualifications

• Maths and English at Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE Grade 4/C or above.
• Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate area relevant to the pathway.
• Royal Osteoporosis Society National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry Certificate of Competence.
• Foundation Degree Programme/ Foundation Degree in Science.

Responsibilities

• Communicate clearly, professionally and compassionately with patients, carers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Explain imaging procedures, obtain informed consent and maintain dignity and confidentiality.
• Recognise safeguarding concerns, deterioration and escalate appropriately.
• Organise and prioritise workload to support safe and efficient service delivery.
• Develop and maintain competence through DXA competencies and routine QA/QC activities.

Skills

Maths and English functional skills

Education

Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate area

Foundation Degree in Science

Job description

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

X-ray and Dexa Assistant Practitioner

The closing date is 20 November 2026

This is a band 3 trainee post, moving to band 4 upon qualification.

You will support Registered Practitioners in delivering high-quality, patient-centred imaging services as part of the multidisciplinary team within Diagnostic Imaging. Working within a defined scope of practice, they will contribute to the safe, effective and efficient delivery of care across plain film, fluoroscopy and DXA services.

You will work under the guidance of a registered radiographer, exercising appropriate autonomy and undertaking duties as an IR(ME)R authorised operator. The role includes carrying out delegated clinical tasks, prioritising workload, and supporting the smooth and efficient running of the department.

You will adhere to all relevant legislation, including IR(ME)R 2017 and IRR 2017, maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff and the public. They will provide compassionate care, recognise and respond to clinical risks or deterioration, and escalate appropriately when needed.

You will maintain their competence through ongoing training and development, contribute to clinical governance and service improvement, support colleagues where required, and work flexibly across the department, including rotational and extended hours to meet service needs.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will work within the Diagnostic Imaging team, primarily supporting Plain Film, DXA and basic fluoroscopy services across Torbay and South Devon. They will deliver safe, efficient and high-quality imaging in accordance with IRR 2017, IR(ME)R 2017, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and relevant professional guidance.
• Working within a defined scope of practice and under radiographer supervision where required, they will undertake imaging procedures and develop competence through appropriate training, including the Royal Osteoporosis Society National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry. For DXA, they will assess patient suitability, obtain relevant clinical information, explain procedures, perform scans, assess image quality and analyse outputs using specialist software. They will identify artefacts or unusual findings requiring senior review and prepare examinations for reporting.
• The post holder will operate equipment safely, undertake routine quality assurance, report faults and maintain accurate records. They will support Radiographers and Advanced/Consultant Practitioners, contribute to audit, clinical governance, quality improvement and research, and support the induction and training of staff. The role will contribute to safe patient care, service efficiency and continuous improvement.

About us

Why Work With Us

Please note: Priority will be given to applicants with recognised 'Priority' or 'At Risk' status, including NHS staff identified across Devon.

Job responsibilities

Communication and working relationships

• Communicate clearly, professionally and compassionately with patients, carers, colleagues and multidisciplinary teams, adapting communication where barriers exist.
• Explain imaging procedures, support informed consent and maintain dignity, confidentiality and accurate records.
• Recognise safeguarding concerns, deterioration and challenging situations, escalating appropriately.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication and working relationships

• Communicate clearly, professionally and compassionately with patients, carers, colleagues and multidisciplinary teams, adapting communication where barriers exist.
• Explain imaging procedures, support informed consent and maintain dignity, confidentiality and accurate records.
• Recognise safeguarding concerns, deterioration and challenging situations, escalating appropriately.

Analytical and judgement

• Assess patients and imaging requirements within agreed protocols and scope of practice.
• Adapt positioning and technical factors appropriately, assessing image quality and identifying artefacts or technical issues.
• Recognise limitations and refer matters concerning clinical justification, interpretation or practice outside scope to the appropriate registered practitioner.

Planning and organisation

• Organise and prioritise allocated workload to support safe and efficient service delivery.
• Complete required academic and clinical training, including DXA competencies, and undertake routine QA/QC activities.
• Work flexibly across sites and service hours where required.

Physical skills

• Develop and maintain the dexterity, coordination and technical skills required to undertake DXA, plain-film and delegated fluoroscopy procedures safely.
• Operate imaging equipment and assist with safe patient, equipment and stock handling.

Patient and client care

• Undertake defined imaging procedures as an authorised IR(ME)R operator following competency assessment and within agreed scope of practice.
• Ensure correct patient identification, recognise clinical risks and elevate concerns appropriately.
• Support preparation of patients and clinical areas and report incidents, concerns and near misses appropriately.

Policy and service development

• Work in accordance with Trust policies, SOPs, IR(ME)R and clinical governance requirements.
• Maintain competence through CPD and contribute to audit, quality improvement, research and service development.

Finance, equipment and resources

• Use high-value imaging equipment and departmental resources safely and efficiently.
• Undertake routine checks, report equipment faults promptly and support appropriate stock management.

People management and training

• Support the induction and development of staff and learners, demonstrating procedures within own competence.
• Maintain mandatory training, competencies, appraisal requirements and an appropriate professional portfolio.

Information technology and administration

• Accurately record and manage patient and imaging information using Trust systems, including RIS/CRIS and PACS, maintaining confidentiality and data quality.

Research and development

• Participate in audit, quality assurance, data collection and approved research activities to support evidence-based service improvement.

Freedom to act

• Work with appropriate autonomy within defined protocols and competence, under the guidance of a registered radiographer, recognising limitations and seeking advice or escalating when required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Maths and English: Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE Grade 4/c or above
• Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate area relevant to the pathway
• Royal Osteoporosis Society National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry Certificate of Competence
• Foundation Degree Programme/ Foundation Degree in Science.

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.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust