Despite a squeeze on National Health Service funding, job prospects for radiography students remain good an SoR study has found.
Close to 600 radiography students and recent graduates took part in the SoR Student and Graduate Survey 2009. Preliminary findings were published in last month's StudentTalk and the final report has now been made public.
The results showed three-quarters of this year's graduates, and almost nine out of 10 students who graduated in 2008, have begun employment within two months of leaving university.
Last year's graduates were overwhelmingly positive in the assessment of their first year working as a qualified radiographer; more than 90 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that their career to date was consistent with expectations.
On a less positive note, the survey highlighted debt as a key concern on graduation. Most students said they expect to graduate owing at least £5000. Nearly a third say they will have debt of more than £10,000.
When asked what the solution was to help stop this build-up of indebtedness, half of the students surveyed said that they should be employed by the NHS during their course.
Society CEO, Richard Evans, confirmed that debt was something the SoR is already looking into on behalf of radiography students but said the survey findings would support this.
"The problem of student debt is well covered in the press," he said. "However, having the evidence of just how great a problem this is for student radiographers, and how this is affecting their ability to complete the course, is going to make a big difference to our campaign on behalf of student members."
Overall he thought the findings showed radiography in a positive light. He said: "The survey confirms some really good news about the numbers of radiography graduates finding jobs quickly. New entrants to the workforce are finding that the career is providing a high level of satisfaction and enjoyment. This is fantastic to hear."
To read the full survey of Students and Recent Graduates 2009 visit the SoR document library.
• The two prize draw winners from the survey have been named as
Bev Brett, diagnostic student, Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge and Ciara Wilson, therapeutic radiography student at the University of Ulster. They each win a choice of £75 in either Marks & Spencer or Amazon vouchers.
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