Radiologic Technology Program Student Orientation Technical Standards Checklist for Clinical Observation Requirements for Entry
We welcome you to the York Technical College Radiologic Technology Program! This presentation will provide you with the information that you need about our radiography program and training to become and ARRT RT (R), Radiographer.
We need to have the following forms on file: Technical Standards for Admission into Radiologic Technology Checklist for Clinical Observation Please see a CASS counselor to obtain these forms.
Technical Standards for the Radiologic Technology Program
Technical Standards Technical standards outline the essential functions that a radiographer must be able to perform. As you look at the Technical Standards Form, this tutorial will explain each section. You will need to place a check mark in the appropriate area as you declare your ability to meet the requirements.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #1-We provide DIRECT patient care. All of # 1 pertains to direct patient care. During your scheduled clinical observation, you will see the RT take the patient s history and explain the exam to the patient.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #1 You may also see the RT use immobilization devices such as positioning sponges, sandbags, and tape during the examination. These help to keep the patient still during the exam.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #1 The RT must also closely monitor a patient s condition and report any changes to the appropriate staff.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #1 The RT will produce and evaluate images using accepted methods and techniques.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #2 The RT is responsible for maintaining the equipment and ensuring the exam rooms are prepared between each procedure. After each patient, the linen is changed and the table is cleaned if blood and/or body fluids have contaminated the table during the examination.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #3 The RT is responsible for making sure that all necessary supplies are available and that the room is well-stocked with linens and supplies.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #4 The RT is responsible for preparing and administering contrast agents and other chemical mixtures used in radiographic procedures, by starting IVs or by oral or rectal means. The RT prepares the medium (Barium) that the patient will drink for GI (gastrointestinal)studies.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #4 The RT also prepares syringes for IV (intravenous) injection of contrast media and administers the appropriate dose to the patient.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #5 The RT is responsible for administering emergency procedures and first aid including CPR as the need arises.
Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #5 All students and RT s are required to receive training and become certified in life-saving techniques such as CPR before working in the clinical setting. The American Heart Association 8-hour Healthcare Provider CPR certification is a prerequisite to enrollment in the RT Program
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Physical Requirements.
Physical Requirements This section stresses the importance of back strength. You will be lifting heavy patients that will require more than the stated minimum of 20 lbs of force. You will also be twisting, bending, reaching, walking, and standing for long periods of time. You will me moving large, heavy pieces of medical equipment. It is often necessary to move patients from wheelchair, stretcher or bed to the radiographic table.
Physical Requirements You may be exposed to fumes such as the chemicals in the darkroom. You will be required to use both hands and feet to perform the duties of a radiographer in order to operate the equipment.
Physical Requirements If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Data Conception.
Data Conception In order to function as a radiographer, you must have the ability to understand and follow both written and oral communication and carry-out duties as a result of requests by physicians.
Data Conception If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Color Discrimination.
Color Discrimination You must be able to differentiate colors and shades of colors. The healthcare setting relies heavily on the use of colorcoded systems. Biohazard materials are placed in RED-lined trash cans or recepticals. Sterile items are covered in Blue or Green drapes.
Color Discrimination Radiographic images demonstrate definite differences between black and white; however, they also demonstrate many shades of gray. This section is directly related to color-blindness.
Color Discrimination If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination
Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination You must have a firm grip in order to be able to manipulate the controls on the radiographic equipment. You must also be able to grasp the radiographic tube to position it in relation to the patient. You must be able to grasp to lift and transfer patients.
Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination There are different control panels used in the department. Some will require you to press a button and others will require that you grasp a dial or utilize keyboards. Also draw up medication.
Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination Some of the tables are foot-pedal operated so you must be able to use your feet for this purpose.
Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication There are various types of learning that will be employed while enrolled in the program. Concrete learning will be experienced by the use of labs and hands-on learning activities. Ability to discern information and apply it is required.
Interpersonal Communication Abstract learning will be experienced by relying on diagrams and mathematical equations to understand the material.
Interpersonal Communication If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Physical Communication
Physical Communication You must be able to speak clearly to and hear your patients.
Physical Communication If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Reasoning Development
Reasoning Development This section states the same thing as the Interpersonal Communication section. Since you have already marked the Interpersonal Communication section, please mark the space that is appropriate for this section.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Language Development
Language Development You will be required to read articles from technical journals in order to stay abreast of technical advancements. You will also be required to communicate the same type of information to your classmates and colleagues through oral presentations.
Language Development Several courses within the Radiography curriculum require that the student perform research, and write term papers and/or technical reports, projects or power points.
Language Development If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Numerical Ability
Numerical Ability Mathematical operations are necessary to calculate exposure factors, conversions and radiation exposure. These functions are related to basic math through algebraic concepts.
Numerical Ability If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Form/ Spatial Ability
Form/ Spatial Ability You must be able to read information on various packages and also be able to inspect those packages for damage. You must be able to discern variations in the Radiographic images.
Form/ Spatial Ability If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.
Minimum Qualifications Please read the section labeled Personal Temperament
Personal Temperament The healthcare setting can be a very stressful environment and the Imaging Department can be especially stressful. The Imaging Department is unique in that many other departments request our facilities and services.
Personal Temperament For example, patients for radiographic examinations may be Inpatients in the hospital (acutely ill); Outpatients (ambulatory) or in the Emergency department (Acutely ill or recently have undergone some type of trauma).
Personal Temperament Patients who are too ill to be transported to the department for their radiographs must have the radiographic equipment brought to their rooms or into the Emergency Department trauma room for imaging during critical events. You will work in the Emergency room routinely. You may encounter traumatic and tragic conditions in these areas at times.
Personal Temperament It is sometimes necessary to perform radiographic procedures in the Surgical Suite during various surgical cases or even in the morgue on deceased patients. Since radiographers care for patients from all areas of the hospital, it can become very stressful for the RT.
Personal Temperament Technical expertise and teamwork will often alleviate a large amount of the stress. If you feel that you meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space Please sign and date the form!
Checklist for Clinical Observation Please review the Checklist
Salary Note the starting salary for new graduates of the radiography program. ($39,000-$50,000) It is important that you have realistic expectations about what the salary is for radiographers.
Program Expenses Please review the expenses for the program. The first two semesters are the most expensive due to the number of books, supplies and uniforms that must be purchased. It is a good idea to apply for financial aid early on to get a good idea of how much assistance may or may not be available to you.
Program Expenses If you feel you must work during your enrollment in the program, it is recommended that you limit your employment to no more than 20 hours each week. The program is a full-time day program with contact hours ranging from 28-38 hours each week. This does not include study time!
Transportation to the following clinical sites: Piedmont Medical Center, Rock Hill, SC Springs Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, Lancaster, SC Lancaster Diagnostic Center, Lancaster, SC Chester County Hospital, Chester, SC Union Regional Medical Center, Monroe, NC Carolina Orthopaedic Clinic, Rock Hill, SC Carolina Orthopedic- Indian Land, SC Carolina Orthopedic- Fort Mill, SC Lancaster Orthopedic and Sports Medicine
Schedules - First Year Classes are on M W F from 8:00-4:20. Clinicals are all day on TTh. The hours for clinical depend on the room rotation and clinical assignment.
Schedules - Second Year Classes are on TTh; times vary according to semester. Clinicals are all day on MWF. The hours for clinical depend on the room rotation and clinical assignment.
Clinical hours The hours for clinical are: 7:30-4:00 8:00-4:30 2:00-10:00
Clinical Schedules Clinical schedules are provided to students at the end of each semester. The clinical schedule is made for the entire 16 weeks of the semester. All students rotate through all clinical facilities.
Grading Scale In healthcare, performance standards are higher than in other industries. Because of this, the Radiography Program has a higher grading scale than York Tech s grading scale. A radiography student must maintain a minimum of a C (80) average in order to get credit for a course and remain enrolled in the Program.
Grading Scale A student who s average falls below an 80 cannot continue in the program, but may be allowed to re-enter one time, the following year if there is space available.
Attendance Guidelines for Clinical Courses Attendance for clinical courses is strictly enforced. Students are allowed to miss only a certain number of hours from each clinical course. Any hours missed over the maximum will result in making up the missed time during the semester break. More than 40 hours of clinical are missed results in an automatic F for that clinical course.
AFTER acceptance but BEFORE starting the Program. Other Clinical Requirements Physical Examination Record of Immunizations TB Test Drug Screenings Criminal Background Checks CPR Certification Health Insurance Malpractice Insurance Copy of Social Security Card Copy of Driver s License or State Photo ID
Physical Examination Clinical facilities require that a physical examination be performed within 3 months of beginning the program. This must be documented on a blue physical exam form which must be submitted to the department. Form can be picked up by printing from the RAD TECH homepage, or in A100 Health and Human Services Division Office.
Record of Immunizations Clinical facilities require documentation of immunization or immunity for: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, (Rubella MUST be proven by a blood test called a titer which shows immunity) Varicella Tetanus HBV Dates of immunization or results of titer must be provided for each.
TB Testing A Two-step Mantoux TB test must be performed within 3 months of starting the program. The second TB test must be done within 10 days of the first. Documentation must be provided of a negative TB result.
TB Testing In the event that a positive reaction occurs, the applicant/student must either: Provide evidence of a negative chest x-ray, or Provide evidence that s/he has been placed on medication by a physician for the treatment of TB.
Drug Screenings Due to the nature of some clinical assignments, some clinical facilities require drug screenings before allowing students to participate in clinical rotations. This may be at the student s expense. A positive drug test will result in the applicant/student s disqualification from completing in the program. Students enrolled in the program are subject to random drug screenings at any time without notice.
Criminal Background Checks Clinical facilities require that criminal background checks be performed on students before allowing students to participate in clinical rotations. The cost of the background check is $54.50. A positive criminal background check may result in the student s disqualification from participating in the clinical portion of the program. Disqualification is at the discretion of the clinical facility.
CPR Certification It is the student s responsibility to obtain training and certification in CPR PRIOR to entering the Radiography Program. The American Heart Association 8-hour Healthcare Provider CPR course is required. You may contact the York Technical College s Continuing Education Division for information about these courses at ext. 7194. A copy of the certification card must be provided to the program.
Health Insurance It is a requirement that all radiography students must be covered by health insurance while they are enrolled in the program. A copy of a current health insurance card must be provided to the program. For information regarding policies available through the College, contact the Business Office.
Malpractice Insurance All radiography students must have malpractice insurance coverage. A $15/year fee must be paid at the time of registration each Summer term. A copy of the receipt must be provided to the program.
Please complete the check-off form by signing and dating it on the bottom. Please submit the form to the admissions office/cass office.
Your next step after you qualify for the list is to schedule a hospital observation appointment by contacting either: Michele Wells(Program Director): 981-7036
SPECIAL RESOURCES OFFICE Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Special Resources Office (SRO) at 803-327-8007, located in the Student Services Building within the Counseling and Support Services Area. The SRO coordinates reasonable accommodations for students who self-identify their documented disability.