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 OrthopedicIndian Land, SC
◦ Carolina OrthopedicFort 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): 9817036