Radiography Skills Guide

Recommended high school level background courses

• English composition
• Reading comprehension
• Algebra I and II
• Geometry
• Human anatomy and physiology
• Psychology
• Human development
• Health care occupations
• Computer applications
• Medical terminology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Health and first aid
• Fitness
• Personal finance

Basic skills in the program and on the job

Technical learning

Radiographers perform x-ray imaging in hospitals and clinics and work directly with patients of all ages and in all clinical settings including surgery and trauma. Administering ionizing radiation, the radiographer produces radiographic images of any designated body part, to include bones, joints and internal organs. These images may be used to detect bone fractures, locate foreign objects and demonstrate the relationship between bone and soft tissue. The radiographer instructs and positions patients, manipulates x-ray equipment, selects appropriate exposure factors, provides radiation protection for the patient and self, processes images, evaluates radiographic image quality and carries out quality control activities. Emphasis is placed on radiation protection, the production of quality images and patient care. Radiographers require good visual acuity, good use of body mechanics to position patients, good communication and people skills. In addition, critical thinking skills, the ability and desire to work in an evolving health care environment, as well as motivation to develop and maintain professionalism and high ethical behaviors are important.

Successful students demonstrate an aptitude for science and a desire to work with people and technology in a clinical health care setting. The learning that takes place at Southeast Technical and at its affiliated clinical settings provides these opportunities.

Reading

Students in this program must learn the importance of medical terminology and the use of the professional jargon used in the clinical (hospital) setting. It is essential students are able to read and understand technical information presented in college textbooks and in classroom handouts. Students must be able to follow written procedures presented in the school laboratory and clinical setting. Students are required to read and understand supplemental readings presented in Web (Internet) based courseware and through online and print based radiologic science magazines and journals.

Language

Written and verbal communications are important in the radiography program. All students in the A.A.S. degree will take at least one 2000 level English course. Students will complete written and oral presentations in the classroom settings. Radiography students must able to communicate well in oral form with classmates, instructors, health care personnel, patients and their family members. In the workplace, radiography professionals must effectively use the professional jargon, medical terminology and effective communications with health care personnel, patients and their family.

Math

Good mathematic abilities are needed in radiography. High school courses in algebra, geometry and physics will help the student succeed in this program. All students in the A.A.S. degree will take at least one 2000 level mathematics course. A college physics course would be helpful.  The application of mathematics is important for the understanding of patient care in radiographic positioning and exposure problem solving.

Computer

A good understanding of computers, the Internet and computer applications is important for success in the radiography program. The student should feel confident in his or her abilities to use software to complete their instructional tasks. All students declaring Radiography as a major will take a 30-question computer proficiency exam as part of the Accuplacer basic skills exam. If the score is lower than 50 %, a 2000 level computer course will be required.  The student will take multiple courses during the program using computer learning resources. Some courses are delivered in an online format. Proficiency in computer applications is important to being successful in the school and professional clinical setting. Radiography professionals perform medical imaging procedures with computed and digital imaging equipment and must be able to effectively work with computer workstations.