Radiologic Technology Program Student Orientation

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Radiologic Technology Program Student Orientation

• Technical Standards
• Checklist for Clinical Observation
• Requirements for Entry

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• 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.

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• 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.

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Technical Standards for the Radiologic Technology
Program
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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.

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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 patients history and
  explain the exam to the patient.

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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.

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Essential Functions of a Radiographer - 1

• The RT must also closely monitor a patients
  condition and report any changes to the
  appropriate staff.

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Essential Functions of a Radiographer - 1

• The RT will produce and evaluate images using
  accepted methods and techniques.

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Essential Functions of a Radiographer - 2

• The RT is responsible for maintaining and
  cleaning the equipment and room 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.

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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.

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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 that the patient will
  drink for GI (gastrointestinal)studies.

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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.

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Essential Functions of a Radiographer - 5

• The RT is responsible for administering emergency
  procedures and first aid including CPR as the
  need arises.

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Essential Functions of a Radiographer - 5

• All students and RTs 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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Physical Requirements.

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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.
• It is sometimes necessary to move patients from
  wheelchair, stretcher or bed to the radiographic
  table.

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Physical Requirements

• You will 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.

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Physical Requirements

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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Data Conception.

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Data Conception

• In order to function as a radiographer, you must
  have the ability to follow both verbal and oral
  directions and carry-out duties as requested by
  clinical personnel.

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Data Conception

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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Color Discrimination.

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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.
• Sterile items are covered in Blue drapes.

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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.

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Color Discrimination

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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination

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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.

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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.

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Manual Dexterity/ Motor Coordination

• Some of the tables are foot-pedal operated so you
  must be able to use your feet for this purpose.

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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.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Interpersonal Communication

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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.

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Interpersonal Communication

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

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Interpersonal Communication

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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Physical Communication

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Physical Communication

• You must be able to speak clearly to and hear
  your patients.

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Physical Communication

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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Reasoning Development

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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.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Language Development

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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.

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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.

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Language Development

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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled Numerical
  Ability

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Numerical Ability

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

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Numerical Ability

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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled Form/ Spatial
  Ability

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Form/ Spatial Ability

• You must be able to read information on various
  packages and also be able to inspect those
  packages for damage.

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Form/ Spatial Ability

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

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Minimum Qualifications

• Please read the section labeled
• Personal Temperament

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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.

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Personal Temperament

• For example, patients scheduled for radiographic
  examinations may be Inpatients in the hospital
  (acutely ill) Outpatients (ambulatory) or from
  the Emergency department (Acutely ill or recently
  have undergone some type of trauma).

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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 may encounter traumatic and tragic conditions
  in these areas at times.

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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 radiology staff handle patients from all
  areas of the hospital, it can become very
  stressful for the RT.

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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!

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Checklist for Clinical Observation

• Please review the Checklist

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Salary

• Note the starting salary for new graduates of the
  radiography program.
• It is important that you have realistic
  expectations about what the salary is for
  radiographers.

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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.

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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!

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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-Lancaster, SC
• Lancaster Orthopedic and Sports Medicine

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Schedules - First Year

• Classes are on M W F from 800- 420.
• Clinicals are all day on TTh. The hours for
  clinical depend on the room rotation and clinical
  assignment.

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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.

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Clinical hours

• The hours for clinical are
• 730-400
• 800-430
• 200-1000

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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.

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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 Techs 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.

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Grading Scale

• A student whos average falls below an 80 cannot
  continue in the program, but may be allowed to
  re-enter the following year if there is space
  available.

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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.

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Other Clinical Requirements
AFTER acceptance but BEFORE starting the
Program.

• Health Insurance
• Malpractice Insurance
• Copy of Social Security Card
• Copy of Drivers License or State Photo ID

• Physical Examination
• Record of Immunizations
• TB Test
• Drug Screenings
• Criminal Background Checks
• CPR Certification

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 students
  expense.
• A positive drug test will result in the
  applicant/students disqualification from
  enrolling in the program.
• Students enrolled in the program are subject to
  random drug screenings at any time without notice.

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Criminal Background Checks

• Some 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 students disqualification from
  participating in the clinical portion of the
  program. Disqualification is at the discretion
  of the clinical facility.

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CPR Certification

• It is the students 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 Colleges
  Continuing Education Division for information
  about these courses at ext. 7194.
• A copy of the certification card must be provided
  to the program.

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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.

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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.

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• Please complete the check-off form by signing and
  dating it on the bottom.
• Please submit the form to Louise Cothran in
  Admissions.

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• 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