POLICY XXX: TECHNICAL STANDARDS/SKILLS

FOR ADMISSION TO AND RETENTION IN THE RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

A candidate for the radiologic technology program must have abilities and skills to perform radiologic procedures in an independent manner. The major tasks of a radiologic technologist that the student must be able to master are:

• Communicate effectively with patients/clients and other members of the health care team using all types of communication methods including verbal, nonverbal, and written techniques.
• Observe a patient accurately for patient assessment using the skills of listening, seeing, touching, and smelling.
• Operate a variety of radiographic equipment and adjunct instrumentation using fine motor functions.
• Operate wheelchairs and patient stretchers alone or with assistance as available.
• Ambulate and position patients on imaging tables and to/from radiologic facility.
• Lift up to fifty pounds
• Access and use darkrooms of various standard designs.
• Load, unload, and process imaging films.
• Frequent standing, walking, and lifting for long periods of time.
• Self-reliance and independent problem-solving abilities.
• Provide basic life support services when needed.
• Visually evaluate film products for technical accuracy and procedural determinations.
• Operate both mobile and surgical imaging equipment and perform related radiological procedures.
• Tolerate physically taxing workloads and function effectively during stressful situations.
• Adapt to ever-changing environments and display flexibility when encountering new or usual situations.

It is the student’s responsibility to discuss with program faculty any change of physical and/or mental health that would limit or prohibit the student from performing the technical job skills expected of a radiologic technologist; as described in the Technical Skills document during the program application and apprenticeship process.

Revised/Reviewed 2/2013 (SD West)