Jump over the site's primary content.

Home > Health & Human Services Division > RAD > Technical Performance Standards

Technical Performance Standards

In order to perform satisfactorily as a radiography student and ultimately as a registered radiographer, an applicant to any radiography program must possess certain physical capabilities. A radiography student must be able to:

  • Walk, stand, bend, squat, move about in congested areas, stand and walk for long periods of time without a break, lift / move 25 pounds.
  • Demonstrate good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, tactile sensitivity, normal or corrected vision and hearing.
  • Read and comprehend English textbooks written at the college level.
  • Listen, follow directions and perform with both speed and accuracy.

A radiography student will be expected to learn and then perform the following tasks:

  • Move, transport, lift and/or transfer patients from a patient bed, cart, wheelchair and/or x ray table.
  • Move, adjust and manipulate a variety of x ray equipment (to include mobile equipment).
  • Physically place patients in appropriate positions for their x ray examinations.
  • Assist the radiologist or attending physician in the performance of procedures involving preparation and administration of contrast media, utilizing appropriate medical and surgical techniques.
  • Visually perceive slight differences in shades of gray in order to learn to evaluate radiographs with respect to proper patient positioning, proper exposure factors and other technical qualities.
  • Possesses effective verbal and written English communication in order to instruct, listen/hear, and respond to patients with widely diverse backgrounds at any time during their radiographic examinations.
  • Handle stressful situations related to technical, procedural or patient care situations.
  • Physically respond to situations requiring first aid or emergency care of patients until additional help can arrive.