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WORKING CONDITIONS

Radiologic Technologists’ provide urgent and non-urgent care to patients of all ages and in all settings including acute care hospitals, sub-acute, and chronic care.  Hospital and sub-acute care settings are generally associated with a moderate noise level. A radiographer works directly with physicians in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers and private offices performing Radiographic examinations on patients in order to aid in the diagnosis of disease or injury. Responsibilities include positioning of the patient; handling of complex equipment; determining proper exposure factors; utilizing radiation protection devices; and processing images. In addition to these technical skills, the radiographer's duties require him/her to attend to the physical and emotional needs of patients who are often acutely ill or seriously injured. 

Successful completion of the Radiologic Technology program requires the graduate to have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to safely and competently deliver patient care as a Radiologic Technologist and provide age-specific patient education.  Accordingly, Radiologic Technology Program applicants and matriculating students must meet the following technical standards: 

Critical Thinking

1. The applicant/student must be able to accurately observe patients from a distance up to 20 feet, or close at hand, correctly read digital, analogue or graphic gauges, scales, monitors, and written instructions, identify equipment and devices and recognize biohazard fluids.
2. The applicant/student must be able to: Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations.
3. Evaluate radiographs to ascertain that they contain proper identification and are of diagnostic value.
4. Select exposure factors and accessory devices for all radiographic procedures and consideration of patient size, age, and extent of disease.
5. Assess patient’s condition and needs from a distance of at least 20 feet.
6. Ability to improvise as needed.

Mobility

1. Initiate proper emergency care protocols,  based on assessment data.
2. Assist all sized patients, according to individual needs and abilities, in moving, turning, transferring from transportation devices to the x-ray table, etc.
3. Be able to push, pull, and lift 50 pounds.
4. Push a stretcher, wheelchair or other transportation device without injury to self, patient or others.
5. Push a portable x-ray machine from one location to another, including turning corners, getting on and off an elevator, and manipulating it in a patient’s room.

Sensory-motor

The applicant/student must have both fine and gross motor skill capabilities to perform patient care procedures and handle radiologic technology equipment including the capability to simultaneous use and/or appose two hands to firmly grasp, assemble, and/or manipulate. These include: turning and lifting patients, moving heavy, bulky equipment, and maneuvering in tight places.

Communication

The applicant/student must be able to hear, understand, converse in, read and write the English language in order to accurately, effectively and sensitively communicate with patients and family members as well as colleagues, instructors, and all members of the health care team.  He/she must also be able to effectively perceive non-verbal communication.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Qualitative Abilities

The applicant/student must be able to comprehend, integrate, and apply didactic concepts to the clinical setting. This involves physiologic measurements, mathematical computation, information gathering, interpretation and analysis of data, critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

The applicant/student must possess the emotional health necessary to exercise judgment, complete patient care responsibilities, and maintain effective relationships with others in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. Applicants/students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. He/she must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and function in the uncertainties inherent to the health care setting. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all-important personal qualities.

Motor Skills

1. Manually move the radiographic tube and position the tube at various angles at heights up to 7 feet.
2. Accurately draw up sterile contrast media and other solutions without contaminating the syringe and / or needle etc.
3. Place cassettes in Bucky tray and properly manipulate all locks.
4. Physically be able to administer emergency care.
5. Be able to stand for periods as long as 2 hours wearing lead aprons and to walk a distance of 3 miles during a normal workday.