Technical Standards

1. Technical Skills:

• The ability to use fluoroscopy and radiology equipment to perform diagnostic procedures in a safe manner consistent with minimal radiation exposure and maximum image quality.
• The ability to evaluate and interpret requests for radiology procedures and determine the best method of achieving optimal results in the form of radiographs and other medical images.

2. Physical Requirements:

A. Sufficient strength and fine motor coordination to:

• Lift 25 pounds for short distances.
• Pull and push heavy objects.
• Assist in moving patients from stretcher, wheelchair, or bed to and from a radiology table.
• Manipulate radiography/imaging equipment and accessories.
• Reach equipment at heights greater than 6 feet.
• Walk to various locations within the hospital for portable procedures.

B. Adequate eyesight to:

• Observe the patient's condition.
• Read radiographic/imaging equipment.
• Evaluate medical images for appropriate positioning and image quality.

C. Sufficient hearing to:

• Respond to patient's verbal inquiries.
• Communicate with other personnel involved in the care of the patient.
• Initiate timely response to audible alarms and signals.

3. Interpersonal Skills

• Work in a professional manner with patients of all ages, races, creeds, and physical conditions while maintaining and respecting patient confidentiality.
• Work with newborns, children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics in a safe and helping manner.
• Communicate and receive written and verbal instructions and carry then out using proper channels of communication.
• Use accurate verbal and written communications in English to:
• Interpret clinical data.
• Obtain and document relevant clinical information.
• Comprehend and carry out physician requests.
• Provide patient/public education related to radiologic procedures and radiation protection safety.

4. Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability to:

A. Work effectively by:

• Exercising independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of radiographic/imaging procedures.
• Performing mathematical problems quickly and accurately.
• Working efficiently in stressful situations.
• Completing program requirements.
• Passing the National Registry Examination in Radiography.

B. Working Conditions

• Works in an air-conditioned environment with minimal exposure to noise and humidity.
• Is constantly bending, pushing, lifting, walking, moving heavy objects, talking on the phone and talking with physicians.
• Has frequent exposure to blood and body fluids from patients.
• Has minimal exposure to processing chemistry from developing equipment.
• Has minimal to moderate exposure to x-ray radiation.

C. Career Paths

Advancement into one of the specialty areas such as Computed Tomography (CT), Interventional Radiology, Mammography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a possibility with additional experience and/or education.