Hiring and Sponsoring Medical Radiographers (SOC Code 2254)

Medical Radiographers, classified under SOC Code 2254, are essential healthcare professionals who specialize in using imaging technologies for both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Their contributions are critical to modern healthcare systems as they assist in the detection and management of various medical conditions. Key responsibilities of medical radiographers include:

• Utilization of Imaging Devices: Employing a range of imaging technologies—including x-rays, CT scans, and fluoroscopy—for accurate patient diagnosis and treatment.
• Patient Assessment: Evaluating patients' clinical requirements to determine the best radiographic treatment options.
• Patient Identification: Ensuring the correct identity of patients before performing any examinations or treatments.
• Treatment Preparation: Confirming that all necessary preparations are in place prior to proceeding with radiographic procedures.
• Exposure Management: Deciding on the appropriate length and intensity of exposure, or the strength of radioactive isotopes used.
• Patient Positioning: Effectively positioning patients to capture optimal imaging results while operating complex equipment.
• Record Maintenance: Keeping precise records of all radiographic and therapeutic activities conducted.
• Treatment Planning: Collaborating with clinical oncologists and physicists to develop a comprehensive course of treatment.
• Radiation Dosage Calculation: Accurately calculating radiation dosages and mapping the treatment volume to ensure patient safety.
• Patient Communication: Explaining treatment procedures to patients and providing guidance on managing any potential side effects.
• Post-Treatment Care: Conducting follow-up reviews to monitor patient progress and address any ongoing concerns.

With the increasing complexity of diagnostic imaging and a demand for skilled medical radiographers, healthcare facilities are actively looking to recruit professionals from abroad. This guide is designed to assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for medical radiographers within the UK's immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Medical Radiographers?

SOC Code 2254 refers to Medical Radiographers who utilize a variety of imaging devices for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Their responsibilities can include:

• Assessing patients: Evaluating patients’ needs and interpreting clinical requirements to determine suitable radiographic treatments.
• Verifying identity: Ensuring accurate identification of the patient and confirming that necessary preparations have been completed for examinations or treatments.
• Determining exposure: Deciding on the length and intensity of exposure or the strength of dosage of isotopes used in procedures.
• Positioning patients: Properly positioning patients and operating x-ray, scanning, or fluoroscopic equipment for optimal imaging.
• Maintaining records: Keeping comprehensive records of all radiographic and therapeutic work undertaken.
• Planning treatments: Collaborating with clinical oncologists and physicists to plan appropriate courses of treatment.
• Calculating radiation dosage: Accurately calculating the radiation dosage and mapping the volume to be treated.
• Explaining procedures: Clearly explaining treatment processes to patients and managing any potential side effects.
• Conducting follow-ups: Carrying out post-treatment reviews and follow-up assessments to monitor patient progress.

Medical Radiographers play a vital role in the healthcare system, contributing to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options for patients.

Eligibility to Hire Medical Radiographers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements  

Medical Radiographers must demonstrate proficiency in the use of imaging technology and possess relevant qualifications or experience. These may include:

• Certification and Licensure: Must hold a valid certification and license to practice as a radiographer in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in operating various imaging devices such as x-ray, MRI, CT, and fluoroscopy equipment.
• Patient Assessment: Ability to assess patients' conditions and interpret clinical requirements to determine appropriate imaging treatments.
• Record Keeping: Experience in maintaining accurate records of all radiographic and therapeutic work undertaken.
• Collaboration: Skills in planning treatment courses in conjunction with clinical oncologists and physicists.
• Dosage Calculation: Competence in calculating appropriate radiation dosages and mapping treatment volumes.
• Patient Communication: Experience in explaining treatments and managing potential side effects to patients.
• Follow-Up Care: Ability to conduct post-treatment reviews and ensure adequate follow-up care.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2254 and that the candidate’s qualifications and experience meet the expected standards for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Medical Radiographers: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Medical Radiographers under SOC Code 2254.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Medical Radiographers, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Medical Radiographers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Medical Radiographers. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Medical Radiographers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Medical Radiographers’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Medical Radiographers can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Medical Radiographers

Before the Medical Radiographers begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Medical Radiographers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Medical Radiographers holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Medical Radiographers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Medical Radiographers’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Medical Radiographerss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Medical Radiographers

Sponsoring Medical Radiographers under SOC Code 2254 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Medical Radiographers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Medical Radiographers under SOC Code 2254 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.