Diploma in Radiography: Course, Duration, Syllabus, Fees, Salary 2023

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Sounak Banerjee

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Diploma in Radiography is a 2-3-year undergraduate-level program, offered in the paramedical stream. It deals with the diagnosis of major diseases and other afflictions of internal organs and sections not visible to the naked eye. Students learn the use of techniques and equipment employed in X-Ray, Fluoroscopy, Sonography (Ultrasound), Angiography, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT Scan, and many more in this course. 

To be eligible for the course, candidates need to have passed their 12th with science stream. Some colleges may conduct their entrance exam for admission to the course. 

Some Top Radiography Colleges in India are Government Medical College, Amritsar; Institute Of Medical Technological Research, Kolkata; Poddar Group Of Institutes, Jaipur and more. Limited colleges are offering the course.

Some lucrative employment options like Therapy Radiographer, X-Ray technician, etc are available for graduates. The average salary offered to the students ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 4,00,000.

Diploma in Radiography: Quick Facts

  • Diploma in Radiography is a 2 to 3-year undergraduate level program, offered in the paramedical stream.
  • Diploma in Radiography fees ranges from INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000 varying from college to college.
  • Admission to Diploma in Radiography is done based on merit and entrance exams across various universities.
  • In diploma in radiography, diagnosis, and imaging are the most pursued types.
  • Students who wish to pursue higher studies can opt for MD Radiography after their Diploma to enhance their skills and salaries.
  • Ultrasound Technician, Medical Advisor, Radiologic Technologist, and Medical image analysis scientist are some top job profiles after Diploma in Radiography.
  • The average salary ranges from INR 25,000 to INR 4,00,000 in the initial stages.

Course Full Name Diploma in Radiography
Admission Process Merit-Based, Entrance Test based
Average Fees (INR) INR 1 - 2 lakh
Course Subjects Anatomy, Biostatistics, Radio-diagnosis, Ultrasound Imaging, etc.
Course Duration 2/3-Years
Average Salary () INR 3 - 7 LPA
Job Descriptions X-ray Technician, Diagnostic Radiographer, Therapy Radiographer, etc.

About Diploma in Radiography

Diploma in Radiology course focuses on theoretical aspects of medical science and care and is the science of hands-on training in operating diagnostic equipment, including Ultrasound, X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI, etc. Other than diagnostics, therapeutic aspects including treatment of cancer and tumours using radiation are also covered. 

This course helps open up many more areas for employment and service. With the advent of time, diagnosis is gaining more value and thus more professionals will be needed in the coming future.

Diagnostic Radiographers play a vital role in the healthcare system. Accurate tests ensure diseases are caught in time and patients receive the best treatment possible.

Why study Diploma in Radiography?

  • More Opportunities: Radiography provides you with the training to improve and save lives. The field has many opportunities presented to the graduates. They can find jobs or pursue further education.
  • Basic Foundation: The diploma course provides the students with basic training that provides you with training before your bachelor or postgraduate studies. It provides the students with a good foundation for the field.
  • Hands-on Training: The course provides hands-on training that teaches the students at a detailed level. 

Diploma in Radiography: Admission Process

  • Diploma in Radiography course admissions is mostly offered through direct application in institutions where the applicant wants to study. 
  • After application submission, seats are allotted based on the merit list of various entrance examinations conducted by universities. 
  • Direct admissions are also offered in several colleges and universities.
  • Upon application and submission of fees, admission will be allotted if the concerned college or institute criteria are met.

Diploma in Radiography: Eligibility

Some of the major criteria of eligibility for pursuing a Diploma in Radiography areas are listed below.

  • Candidates must have completed class 12th with science stream from any recognized board.
  • Candidates must have a minimum percentage (%) score of 45% to 60%, which may vary according to the university or college they seek admission in.
  • Candidates should not be below the age of 17 or above 35 years of age for being eligible to apply for admission in Diploma in Radiography.

Diploma in Radiography: Admission 2023 

  • Admissions to the course are based on the merit list for exams such as the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences Radiography Entrance Exam etc. or score obtained in class 12th. Criteria vary significantly with the institute.
  • Both direct and entrance-based admissions are offered at various colleges.
  • To apply through the online process, log in to the institute’s official website, follow the mentioned instructions including submission of necessary documents such as identity cards, mark sheets, and other details. 
  • For offline application, if allowed by the respective institute, the candidate needs to visit the admission department physically and fill the admission form.
  • In the case of Entrance exam-based admission, candidates need to visit the institute’s website and apply for the test by paying the application fee and submitting the required details and documents.
  • On the qualification of the entrance test, candidates can apply for the counselling through which college will be allotted to them.

Merit-Based Admissions

Most universities and colleges offering Diploma in Radiography give admission based on merit and direct admission. Candidates need to fill in the application forms available on the institute’s website with relevant details and documents. Earlier counselling systems were in place in most colleges which have been scrapped and replaced by merit-based admission systems. 

Entrance-Based Admissions

Some prominent colleges and institutions in the field of medicine and healthcare conduct their entrance test for admissions to various courses including Diploma in Radiography. Notices for the respective exams are circulated and exams are conducted at different times of the year.

Entrance Exam: Preparation Tips

Candidates aspiring to clear cut-off marks set by the college should start working hard to achieve them. Some general tips for clearing entrance exam are:

  • Familiarize yourself with the latest exam pattern and prepare accordingly for your exam.
  • Be very thorough with the syllabus for the exam concerned with your admission process. The syllabus can be found on the official websites of respective colleges.
  • Prepare for both MCQ-based and Subjective questions as different colleges have different patterns of examination.
  • In the case of MCQ based exams, avoid guessing answers, check if negative marking is applicable. If so, not attempting questions for which you have no answer will be a better choice.
  • Read newspapers and visit websites concerning exam information daily, to be aware of any updates regarding your exam or admission.
  • Attempt mock tests before the exam. Make yourself accustomed to exam patterns and improve accuracy and speed.
  • Revise only the prepared topics thoroughly before the exam. Going for new topics just a day before the exam will do nothing but create confusion.
  • Be confident and have faith in your calibre and preparation during exams and give your best.

Diploma in Radiography: Syllabus

A semester-based curriculum is followed in most universities and colleges. The syllabus for this course not only includes basic medical subjects and many technical subjects.

  • Students enrolled in the Diploma in Radiography course are expected to complete the study of the following subjects in the entirety of the 3-year course. 
  • The curriculum is well defined for the overall understanding and hands-on training for students to mould and shape them as professional radiographers ready to give their services in various domains of job profiles. 

Diploma in Radiography: Subjects

Subjects included in the Diploma in Radiography program are listed below:

Introduction to Radiography Pathology
Anatomy Physics of Radiology
Biochemistry Physiology
Biostatistics Radiation Physics
Computed Tomography Medical Physics
Imaging Techniques Radio-diagnosis
Magnetic Resonance and Imaging Radiographic Photography
Microbiology Different Radiographic Techniques
Nuclear Medicine Imaging Ultrasound Imaging

Diploma in Radiography: Top Colleges in India 

Diploma in Radiography is offered by limited colleges both government and private in different parts of the country. The students can choose from the following mentioned colleges. 

Diploma in Radiography: Government Colleges

Diploma in Radiography: Private Colleges

College Name Average Fees
Poddar Group Of Institutes, Jaipur INR 1.30 lakh
Singhania University, Jhunjhunu INR 40,000

Diploma in Radiography: Top Colleges Abroad 

Some colleges offering radiography programs abroad are mentioned below:

College Name Average Fees
College of New Caledonia, Canada INR 8.7 lakhs
Monash University, Australia INR 9.8 lakhs
University of Suffolk, UK INR 1.2 lakhs
University of Cumbria, UK INR 1.3 lakhs
Teesside University, UK INR 1.3 lakhs

After Diploma in Radiography 

Most graduates after completing a Diploma in Radiography choose to go for jobs like Diagnostic Radiographer, Radiation Therapy Technologist, Radiation Protection Specialist, Therapy Radiographer, etc. at various establishments like Private Care Centres, Occupational Health Centres, Radiotherapy Research Organizations, etc. Some students also choose to go for higher studies and pursue post-graduation and PhD in radiography to increase their experience and boost their career and salary prospects.

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Radiography: After completing a diploma in radiography, one can go for a postgraduate diploma in radiography. Although most students prefer to go for jobs after completing their diploma in radiography, completing PG can boost your skills and experience by many folds. Many government and private colleges offer PG Diploma in Radiography all across the country. 
  • PhD after Diploma in Radiography: Students going for research in various domains of Radiography can pursue a PhD from various universities and colleges all across India and abroad. Seats are very limited. With an increase in interest and need for research in the field of diagnosis and radiation therapy, PhD in Radiography is becoming a preferred choice for students completing a Diploma in Radiography. Before applying for a PhD, candidates must complete a postgraduate course with a Master's in Radiography marks above 55% from a recognized university. 

Some major researches in the field of Radiography include:

  • Advanced Body Imaging
  • Cardiovascular & Thoracic Imaging
  • Musculoskeletal Imaging
  • Neuroimaging & Interventions, etc

Diploma in Radiography: Jobs & Placements

Diploma in Radiography course gives a wide range of employment options to graduates. With the increasing use of technology in the field of diagnosis and treatment, avenues for radiographer job openings are ever-widening. With a wide spectrum of job profiles available, salary and pay statistics vary drastically. Experience plays a very important role in salary. As experience increases salary and position also increases.

Diploma in Radiography: Top Job Profiles

Job Roles Description Average Salary
Diagnostic Radiographer You will work in a range of hospital departments, acquiring images to help with the diagnosis of illness and injuries. INR 1,86,000
Radiation Therapy Technologist You will provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by the radiologists concerned. INR 4,75,000
Radiation Protection Specialist You will use scientific techniques and equipment to measure and monitor radiation, assess risks, and ensure the workplace and general public safety. INR 7,78,000
Therapy Radiographer You will be part of a team helping people who are dealing with cancer. INR 1,82,000
X-Ray Technician You will produce diagnostic images by positioning patients’ bodies and taking images. INR 4,50,000
Radiation Therapy Equipment Sales Representative You will be dealing with sales of therapy equipment, working in a product-based company. INR 3,00,000
Radiation Therapy Educator You will work in the field of education, imparting knowledge about radiation therapy practices. NA
Radiation Therapy Treatment Researcher You will be working at research establishments working for the improvement of therapy techniques. NA
Radiation Therapy Supervisor You will be supervising interns and new employees at therapy centres. INR 3,80,000

Diploma in Radiography: Top Recruiters 

Some of the major recruiters and recruiter sectors who employ Diploma in Radiography graduates are:

  • CURAA.
  • Global Medical Recruiting.
  • St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center.
  • Hitech Diagnostic Centre.
  • Mental Health Centres.
  • Nursing Homes or Private Care Centres.
  • Occupational Health Centres.
  • Government and Private Hospitals.
  • Radiography Research Organizations.
  • Diagnostics Centres.
  • Educational Institutes.
  • Radiography Equipment manufacturers.
  • Defense Forces.
  • Mental Health Centres.
  • Several other industries.

Diploma in Radiography: Salary

Salary statistics for various profiles vary roughly between INR 1,50,000 to INR 8,00,000 per annum. Salary increases with experience gained and specializations acquired.

Job Position Average Annual Salary INR
Diagnostic Radiographer INR 1,86,000
Radiation Therapy Technologist INR 4,75,000
Radiation Protection Specialist INR 7,78,000
Therapy Radiographer INR 1,82,000
X-Ray Technician INR 4,50,000

Diploma in Radiography: FAQs

Ques: What is Radiography?

Ans: Radiography is the study of using radiation to provide visuals of the tissues, organs, and other components of the human body. It is a study of science used to diagnose or treat patients by recording images of their bodies to assess the presence of disease, foreign objects, and structural damage or anomaly.

Ques: How to become a Radiographer?

Ans: To pursue Radiography one should have completed (10+2) from any recognized board of education. You can then go for a 3-year course of Diploma in Radiography. Students can also take up one-year certificate courses in specialized applications like X-ray technician, Ultrasound Technician, etc. after completing their 12th standard examinations.

Ques: Is Radiography a difficult course?

Ans: A degree in Radiography can be intense. Material is not very difficult to learn as such but the huge amount of information is what makes it difficult. Not only will you have the same level of knowledge of anatomy as a doctor but also you will learn a lot about technology, physiology, diseases, and injuries.

Ques: Do Radiographers get paid well?

Ans: Entry-level jobs like X-ray technicians generally start with a salary of around INR 4,00,000 per annum. While more experienced and senior workers make up to INR 8,00,000 per annum. Overall, a Diploma in Radiography gives decent-paying job options to its graduates.

Ques: Is being a Radiographer stressful?

Ans: With long work hours, you could be on your feet for long periods, working in often stressful situations such as busy A&E departments and dealing with challenging stressful situations.

Ques: Is Radiology better than Nursing?

Ans: Nursing and Radiology both being good course choices have great career options. But both courses are different from each other. One should select according to their specific preferences. Consider interests, job roles, workplace, responsibilities, etc. before making any decision.

Ques: Can a Radiographer become a Radiologist?

Ans: No, you cannot become a Radiologist by studying Radiography. A radiologist is a medical doctor who chose radiology as their specific career branch instead of surgery, medicine, etc. while a Radiographer is one who studied radiography at a technical school.

Ques: What are the disadvantages of being a Radiographer?

Ans: Hectic work hours and extensive educational requirements may be considered as the major disadvantages of being a Radiographer. While the pros like exponential job growth, the demand for trained professionals, and the self-satisfaction of this job profile make the cons unnoticeable.

Ques: What subject should I have on board to be eligible for Diploma in Radiography?

Ans: There is no foundation of a stream when it comes to eligibility for Diploma in Radiography but having science subjects is usually preferred. 

Ques: Is Radiographer a Doctor?

Ans: No, a Radiographer is not a medical doctor. Radiographers' jobs include using various types of equipment and machines to diagnose tests and on the advice of a doctor administer radiation therapy.

Ques: What are the basic skills required to become a radiologist?

Ans: Some basic skills required to become a good radiologist include:

  • Flexibility
  • Communication skills
  • Empathy
  • Leadership Qualities
  • Physical Fitness
  • Adaptability

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