Level 3 Apprenticeship In Diagnostic Imaging Support

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The Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed for learners working within diagnostic imaging services who support patients throughout their imaging journey and contribute to the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care. Imaging Support Workers play a vital role within multidisciplinary teams, assisting radiographers and imaging professionals with patient care, communication, imaging procedures, safety and service delivery.  

Learners apply their learning directly within the workplace, developing the practical knowledge and skills required to support diagnostic imaging services while delivering high-quality patient care and positive outcomes.

The apprenticeship includes a range of core learning units that build the foundations required of a Senior Healthcare Support Worker. Learners participate in remote learning sessions, workplace activities and portfolio development designed to support their professional practice and progression.

Upon successful completion, learners may progress into a range of specialist and senior healthcare roles including:  

• Senior Imaging Support Worker 
• Level 4 Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeships 
• Diagnostic Radiography Degree Apprenticeships 
• Healthcare Science Pathways 
• Further Diagnostic Imaging Specialisms 
• Other Healthcare Professional Training Routes  

This apprenticeship provides an excellent starting point for learners wishing to build a career within diagnostic imaging and the wider healthcare science workforce.

Diagnostic imaging services are central to modern healthcare, helping clinicians diagnose, monitor and treat a wide range of conditions. From X-rays and CT scans to MRI and ultrasound examinations, imaging services support millions of patient pathways every year. 

Imaging Support Workers play an important role in ensuring these services run safely and efficiently. They support patients before, during and after procedures, help maintain patient dignity and comfort, contribute to infection prevention measures and work alongside radiographers and imaging professionals to deliver a positive patient experience.  

As demand for diagnostic services continues to grow, healthcare organisations require a skilled and knowledgeable support workforce. The Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship helps develop the practical skills, technical understanding and professional behaviours needed to support safe and effective imaging services whilst contributing to improved patient outcomes and service capacity.

Learners should be employed within a diagnostic imaging, radiology or healthcare setting where they can demonstrate the competencies required by the apprenticeship standard.  

No previous imaging qualifications are required; however, learners will benefit from a good standard of written English and the ability to complete portfolio activities and reflective practice. Functional Skills in English and maths are available where required.

The programme combines remote learning sessions, specialist imaging pathway teaching, workplace competency development, coaching and portfolio building through the OneFile e-portfolio system. Learners apply their learning directly within their workplace while building evidence against the apprenticeship standard.  

Assessment activities may include workplace observations, reflective accounts, professional discussions, workbooks, case studies, expert witness testimonies, skills passport evidence, learning journals and service improvement projects. Regular coaching and progress reviews support learners throughout the programme and prepare them for End-Point Assessment.  

Although employers may provide dedicated study time, learners should expect to undertake some independent learning and portfolio work outside scheduled training sessions.

• Preparing patients for imaging procedures 
• Supporting patient identification and consent processes 
• Assisting radiographers during examinations 
• Promoting patient comfort, dignity and wellbeing 
• Supporting CT, MRI, Ultrasound and other imaging services 
• Applying infection prevention and control measures 
• Contributing to radiation safety practices 
• Supporting patient aftercare following procedures 
• Working alongside multidisciplinary healthcare teams