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Credit Programs

Radiography

Technical Standards

These technical standards reflect performance abilities that are necessary for a student to successfully complete the requirements of the Radiography curriculum. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, "A qualified person with a disability is one who can perform the essential function of a job with or without reasonable accommodation." Please read the standards carefully and seek clarification if necessary.*

According to the nature of the work required in Radiography, the student must be able to meet the following standards:

Standard
Examples
Physical ability
  • Reach, manipulate and operate radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, which is above shoulder level (about 6 feet above the floor)
  • Lift and carry at least 30 pounds of weight in order to safely transport and use ancillary aids (cassettes, sandbags, portable equipment, etc.) when performing radiologic procedures
  • Safely move standard wheelchairs and stretchers with patients from the emergency or waiting areas to radiologic examining rooms and safely assist mobile patients from the stretcher or wheelchair to the examining table and back, without assistance
  • Safely move immobile patients from stretcher to examining table and back with assistance from department personnel
  • Lift, manipulate and move patients as necessary for the performance of radiologic procedures
Visual ability sufficient to access patients, view monitors and patient positions and perform procedures in dim lighting
  • Correctly read technique charts, read and select correct exposure factors at control consoles and read and set correct distances and other equipment settings at the radiographic and fluoroscopic towers; read various sizes of print located on equipment and computers
  • Visually monitor patient for retention of correct position, correct breathing, motion or evidence of physical or emotional distress during the performances of radiologic procedures, including in dimly-lighted environments and from across a room. Requirements for visual acuity are correctable near vision to 20/40 in both eyes and correctable far vision to 20/40 in both eyes.
Cognitive ability - mental capability involving reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, complex idea comprehension and learning from experience
  • Monitor and evaluate patients’ vital signs, including taking temperatures and reading standard thermometers, taking blood pressure and monitoring respiration and pulse rate
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs
  • Monitor equipment and background sounds during equipment operation and report unusual or abnormal sounds to the appropriate person
  • Understand and correctly carry out oral instructions given by instructors and clinical personnel, including those given in settings (special procedures suite, operating room) where all personnel are wearing surgical masks
Communication ability sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
  • Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with the patient, patient’s family, clinical personnel and others to obtain or disseminate information relevant to patient care and work duties
Critical thinking ability - the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
  • Evaluate radiographs and digital images for technical quality, including visual perception of density levels, contrast levels, evidence of distortion and evaluation of minute structural details for evidence of blur
  • Read and correctly carry out written instructions given on requisitions, treatment charts, notes and other records
Mental acuity and emotional stability
  • Demonstrate emotional stability and mental alertness in day-to-day interactions with patients, visitors, staff and peers in high-stress/pressure situations that occur in the radiologic environment

*If a Radiography student believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the standards without accommodation or modifications, the college must determine, on an individual basis, whether or not the necessary accommodations or modifications can be made reasonably.