Radiography

Professional standards

The following standards are capabilities related to successful practice in the radiography profession. They are “non-academic” criteria and include physical capabilities required of radiography students and professionals.

You must be able to meet these standards to complete the program. Please read each item carefully to determine if you can satisfy each requirement.

Communication

The ability to communicate both orally and in writing to:

  • Obtain and record patient history.
  • Explain or discuss procedures.
  • Discuss patient consent forms.
  • Provide clear verbal instructions to patients face to face and from the radiography control area, which is a distance away from the patient.

Vision

The ability to see fine lines and distinguish gradual changes in blacks, grays, and whites is necessary to evaluate:

  • Radiographic images in dimmed lighting.
  • Assess the direction of the central ray to the anatomical part being imaged.
  • Read department protocols for:
    • Imaging procedures
    • Examination requests
    • Monitors
    • Any written directions or orders

Hearing

The ability to hear in order to:

  • Respond to patient questions, concerns, and needs.
  • Hear faint or muffled sounds when the use of surgical masks is required.
  • Hear faint or muffled sounds since operator control areas are separated from the x-ray table and patient.
  • Monitor equipment operation or dysfunction which may be indicated by low sounding buzzers or bells.

Motor functions

Good manual dexterity, motor skills, and eye-hand coordination are necessary to:

  • Manipulate machine locks and controls.
  • Don surgical gloves, fill syringes, and handle sterile trays and equipment.
  • Operate both mobile and stationary medical imaging equipment.
  • Provide strength to move and operate equipment and patient carts and wheelchairs.
  • Stand unassisted for long periods.
  • Provide strength to transfer and position patients without placing the patient at risk.
  • Reach overhead to manipulate and x-ray tube that hangs from the ceiling.

If you need reasonable accommodations, please contact PCC Disability Services for assistance. If you are accepted into the program and your functional abilities change please meet with the Radiography program director for assistance.