A scanning apparatus that can operate as both a computed and direct style radiography device. In the computed radiography mode, an internal imaging plate is removed or maintained inwardly within the housing assembly to allow a cassette handling mechanism holding a removable imaging plate to pass adjacent the scanning head. In the direct radiography mode, the cassette handling mechanism is retracted and the internal imaging plate is moved outward from the within the housing such that it is located adjacent the reading slot of the scan head assembly. In both modes of operation, the imaging plate being used is maintained adjacent the scan head while the scan head and imaging plate surface are moved relative to each other allowing the scanning and acquisition of the image data stored on the plate.