South Florida State College Radiography Program Physical and Technical Abilities Required of a Competent Radiographer
South Florida State College Radiography students should be able to perform the following skills in order to perform all of the procedures required of a diagnostic radiographer in the work force. Corrective devices are allowed to meet the minimum requirements or standards.
- Communicate in English to the patient in order to converse and instruct the patient to relieve anxiety and gain their cooperation during procedures and understand the patient when they are communicating symptoms of a medical emergency
- Hear a patient talk in a normal tone from a distance of 20 feet
- Observe the patient in order to assist the patient’s condition and/or needs from a distance of, at least, 20 feet
- Read the patient’s medical chart and/or physician’s orders
- Legibly write patient history on procedure requisition
- Evaluate radiographs using a computer monitor to ascertain that radiographic images contain proper identification and are of diagnostic value
- Assist all patients, according to their needs and abilities in moving, turning, transferring from transportation devices to the x‑ray table, etc. Be able to push, pull, and lift 40 pounds
- Push a stretcher and/or wheelchair without injury to self, patient, or others
- Push a portable x‑ray machine from one location to another, including turning corners, getting on and off an elevator, and manipulating it in a patient’s room
- Manually move the X‑ray tube and position the tube at various angles at standard and nonstandard heights up to 7 feet
- Draw up sterile contrast media and other solutions without contaminating the syringe and/or needle, etc.
- Select exposure factors by manipulating dials, buttons, and/or switches
- Correctly place image receptors/cassettes in Bucky trays and spot film devices and properly manipulate all locks
- Physically be able to administer emergency care including performing CPR
- Be able to stand for periods as long as 2 hours wearing lead aprons, and walk a distance of two miles during a normal work day
