What does a clinical imaging support worker do?

A clinical imaging support worker assists radiographers and radiologists in performing diagnostic imaging procedures. Duties include preparing patients for scans, positioning them correctly, maintaining equipment, managing image data, and ensuring a clean, safe environment. They also provide emotional support to patients and help with administrative tasks like scheduling.

Is the Agored Cymru Level 2 Certificate in Clinical Imaging Support recognised in England?

Yes, the qualification is part of the QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) and is recognised across the UK. However, you should check with your employer or educational institution as some may prefer a specific awarding body. The skills and knowledge are transferable, and many NHS trusts accept it for imaging support roles.

Do I need to know about radiation physics for this course?

You will need a basic understanding of how X-rays are produced and how they interact with tissue, but the course focuses on practical safety rather than advanced physics. Key topics include the properties of X-rays, factors affecting image quality (kVp, mAs), and methods to reduce dose. No complex calculations are required.

Can I progress to a radiography degree after this certificate?

This Level 2 certificate can be a stepping stone to further study. Many learners go on to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Imaging Support or an Access to Higher Education course in radiography. Some universities may accept it as part of the entry requirements for a BSc in Diagnostic Radiography, but you should check specific course prerequisites.

How is the qualification assessed?

Assessment is typically through a combination of written assignments, practical observations, and a portfolio of evidence. You may also have to complete a reflective journal and answer questions on case studies. There is no final exam; instead, you are assessed continuously throughout the course.

What are the most common imaging procedures I will support?

The most common procedures include plain X-rays (chest, abdomen, limbs), CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound examinations. You will also assist with fluoroscopy procedures like barium swallows and enemas. Each requires specific patient preparation and positioning techniques.

Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities

AGORED CYMRU

vocational

This subtopic covers the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to assist a practitioner during clinical imaging procedures. It emphasises the application of current legislation, national guidelines, and local protocols to ensure patient safety, dignity, and effective clinical outcomes. Learners will understand their role boundaries and how to work collaboratively within a healthcare team.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Agored Cymru Level 2 Certificate In Clinical Imaging Support (QCF)

Topic Overview

The Agored Cymru Level 2 Certificate in Clinical Imaging Support (QCF) is a vocational qualification designed for individuals working or aspiring to work in clinical imaging departments, such as radiography or radiology. This certificate provides foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to support radiographers and other healthcare professionals in delivering safe, effective imaging services. It covers key areas including patient care, radiation safety, image acquisition, and departmental procedures, ensuring learners understand their role in the diagnostic pathway.

This qualification is critical for those seeking to work as imaging support workers, radiographic assistants, or healthcare assistants in imaging settings. It aligns with the NHS Career Framework and prepares learners for further study or progression into roles like assistant practitioner. By mastering this certificate, students contribute to efficient patient flow, high-quality image production, and a safe working environment, directly impacting patient diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Within the wider Nursing & Healthcare field, clinical imaging support is a specialised area that bridges patient care and technology. Learners gain insights into anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to imaging, as well as communication skills for interacting with patients who may be anxious or in pain. The qualification emphasises multidisciplinary teamwork, as imaging support staff collaborate with radiographers, radiologists, nurses, and administrative teams to ensure seamless service delivery.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Radiation safety principles: ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable), use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and monitoring exposure to minimise risk to patients and staff.
→Patient positioning and immobilisation: Correct techniques for common examinations (e.g., chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound) to obtain diagnostic images while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
→Image acquisition and quality assurance: Understanding exposure factors (kVp, mAs), collimation, and image evaluation criteria to reduce repeats and maintain standards.
→Infection control and hygiene: Standard precautions, hand hygiene, and cleaning of equipment to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in imaging departments.
→Communication and patient care: Adapting communication for patients with diverse needs (e.g., language barriers, dementia) and obtaining valid consent for procedures.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Know about current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice when assisting the practitioner to carry out health care activities, Be able to assist the practitioner in carrying out health care activities

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating accurate knowledge of the key legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Data Protection Act 2018, and relevant Care Quality Commission regulations, and explaining how they apply to assisting in clinical imaging.
Look for evidence of following local protocols and national guidelines, for example IR(ME)R 2017 and IRR 2017, when undertaking activities under the direction of a practitioner.
Assess whether the learner consistently maintains patient privacy and dignity, obtains valid consent, and communicates clearly and respectfully during all interactions.
Evidence should show effective teamwork, including seeking clarification when unsure and promptly reporting any concerns or changes in the patient’s condition to the practitioner.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡For knowledge-based tasks, always structure answers to explicitly link your actions or decisions to a specific policy or piece of legislation.
💡In reflective accounts or observations, provide concrete examples of how you ensured patient comfort and safety, rather than just stating you did.
💡Familiarise yourself with the imaging department’s local rules and protocols, as these are often referenced in assessments to demonstrate adherence to good practice.
💡Tip 1: When answering questions on radiation safety, always reference the ALARP principle and give a specific example of how it is applied (e.g., using gonad shielding). This demonstrates practical understanding.
💡Tip 2: For patient care scenarios, use the 'SBAR' (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework to structure your responses. Examiners look for clear, professional communication.
💡Tip 3: Memorise the standard projections for common X-ray examinations (e.g., PA chest, AP pelvis) and their key anatomical landmarks. This is a frequent exam topic and shows attention to detail.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Confusing data protection with patient confidentiality, leading to inappropriate sharing of information.
Neglecting to confirm patient identity and procedure details before assisting, risking serious errors.
Assuming that because a task is delegated, full responsibility lies with the practitioner, rather than remaining accountable for own actions.
Misconception: 'Radiation exposure is always dangerous, so I should avoid it at all costs.' Correction: In clinical imaging, radiation doses are carefully controlled and justified. The benefits of accurate diagnosis far outweigh the minimal risks when ALARP principles are followed.
Misconception: 'Patient positioning doesn't affect image quality much.' Correction: Incorrect positioning can lead to non-diagnostic images, requiring repeat exposures and increasing patient dose. Precise positioning is essential for optimal visualisation of anatomy.
Misconception: 'I don't need to worry about consent if the doctor has already explained the procedure.' Correction: As a support worker, you must confirm that the patient understands and agrees to the procedure immediately before it begins. Consent is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology, particularly the skeletal and respiratory systems.
•Familiarity with healthcare settings and infection control principles, such as those covered in a Level 2 Healthcare Support qualification.
•Numeracy skills for calculating exposure factors and understanding dose measurements.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Know about current legislation, national guidelines, policies, protocols and good practice when assisting the practitioner to carry out health care activities, Be able to assist the practitioner in carrying out health care activities

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Assist the practitioner to carry out health care activities

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Common Mistakes

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Before You Start

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