1. Radiologic Technology Program Student Orientation
Technical Standards
Checklist and
Requirements for Entry

2. 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.

3. We need to have the following forms on file:
Technical Standards for Admission into Radiologic Technology
Checklist for Clinical Participation
Please see a CASS counselor to obtain these forms.

4. Technical Standards for the Radiologic Technology Program

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #1
The RT must also closely monitor a patient’s condition and report any changes to the appropriate staff.

9. Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #1
The RT will produce and evaluate images using accepted methods and techniques.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Essential Functions of a Radiographer - #5
The RT is responsible for administering emergency procedures and first aid including CPR as the need arises.

15. 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

16. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Physical Requirements”.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Physical Requirements
If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.

20. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Data Conception”.

21. 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.

22. Data Conception
If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.

23. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Color Discrimination”.

24. Color Discrimination
You must be able to differentiate colors and shades of colors.
The healthcare setting relies heavily on the use of color- coded systems.
Biohazard materials are placed in RED-lined trash cans or recepticals.
Sterile items are covered in Blue or Green drapes.

25. 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.

26. Color Discrimination
If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.

27. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination”

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination
Some of the tables are foot-pedal operated so you must be able to use your feet for this purpose.

31. 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.

32. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Interpersonal Communication”

33. 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.

34. Interpersonal Communication
Abstract learning will be experienced by relying on diagrams and mathematical equations to understand the material.

35. Interpersonal Communication
If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.

36. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Physical Communication”

37. Physical Communication
You must be able to speak clearly to and hear your patients.

38. Physical Communication
If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.

39. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Reasoning Development”

40. 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.

41. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Language Development”

42. 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.

43. 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.

44. Language Development
If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.

45. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled “Numerical Ability”

46. Numerical Ability
Mathematical operations are necessary to calculate exposure factors, conversions and radiation exposure.
These functions are related to basic math through algebraic concepts.

47. Numerical Ability
If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.

48. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled “Form/ Spatial Ability”

49. 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.

50. Form/ Spatial Ability
If you feel that you meet or do not meet the requirements, then place a check mark in the appropriate space.

51. Minimum Qualifications
Please read the section labeled
“Personal Temperament”

52. 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.

53. 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).

54. 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.

55. 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.

56. 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!

57. Checklist for Clinical Observation
Please review the Checklist

58. Salary
Note the starting salary for new graduates of the radiography program.
($41,000-$50,000)
It is important that you have realistic expectations about what the salary is for radiographers.

59. 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.

60. 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 hours each week. This does not include study time!

61. 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
OrthoCarolina, Ballantyne and Pineville, NC
Carolina Orthopaedic Clinic , Rock Hill, SC
Carolina Orthopedic- Fort Mill, SC
Lancaster Orthopedic and Sports Medicine
Riverview Medical Center, Rock Hill, SC
York Imaging Center, York, SC
Rock Hill Medical Plaza

62. Schedules - First Year Classes are on M W F from 8:00- 4:30.
Clinicals are all day on TTh. The hours for clinical depend on the room rotation and clinical assignment.

63. 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.

64. The hours for clinical are:
Clinical hours
The hours for clinical are:
7:30-4:00
8:00-4:30
2:00-10:00

65. 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.

66. 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.

67. 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.

68. 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.

69. Other Clinical Requirements
AFTER acceptance but BEFORE starting the Program…….
Other Clinical Requirements
Health Insurance
Malpractice Insurance
Copy of Social Security Card
Copy of Driver’s License or State Photo ID
Physical Examination
Record of Immunizations
TB Test
Drug Screenings
Criminal Background Checks
CPR Certification

70. Physical Examination
Clinical facilities require that a physical examination be performed within 3 months of beginning the program.
This must be documented on a HHS 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.

71. 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 (Must be documented by titer)
Tetanus
HBV
Dates of immunization or results of titer must be provided for each.

72. 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.

73. 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.

74. 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.

75. 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.

76. 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 Healthcare Provider CPR course is required.
You may contact the York Technical College’s Continuing Education Division for information about these courses at ext
A copy of the certification card must be provided to the program.

77. 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.

78. 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.

79. Please complete the check-off form by signing and dating it on the bottom.
Please submit the form to the admissions office/CASS office.

80. Your next step after you qualify for the list is to pay your $50 fee to be placed onto the waitlist in the CASS office located in the Student Services building (J) :
Michele Wells(Program Director):