Radiography is a discipline primarily associated with the use of x-rays to produce anatomic images. Individuals who produce images during radiographic examinations are called Radiographers, or generically, Radiologic Technologists. Radiographers work closely with Radiologists, the physicians responsible for interpreting medical images. Radiographers practice in hospitals, imaging centers, private physician offices, research laboratories, governmental agencies, and other industries.

The demand for Radiographers in the United States is expected to grow, fueled by an increase in natural population growth, a greater life span for individuals, and an increasing demand for radiographic procedures resulting from technological advances aimed at early diagnosis and prevention of disease.

To discover more about the profession, visit the links below:

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• Florida Department of Health – Bureau of Radiation Control

Students entering the program and those Radiographers already practicing must meet certain standards of performance. These Standards of Performance include meting cognitive, affective, & psychomotor demands associated with the profession as detailed below:

Data Collection Standards –

• Tactile ability sufficient for collection and assessment of data such as pulse and temperature.
• Ability to adjust settings on equipment as needed.
• Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health care needs including but not limited to hearing monitor alarms, emergency signals, ausculatory sounds, and verbal communication as when a patient/client calls for assistance.
• Visual ability sufficient for assessing and observing the patient/client and environment including near and far acuity, depth perception, visual fields, and color vision.

Communication Standards –

• Possess sufficient communication skills to interact effectively with others verbally, non-verbally and in written form demonstrating sensitivity to individual and cultural differences.
• Ability to express self verbally in a language that will be understood by a majority of patients/clients.
• Possess ability to recognize, interpret and respond to non-verbal cues from patients and clients.

Sensorimotor Standards –

• Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective care including the ability to assist with positioning of patients.
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time and physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, to maneuver in patient rooms and other small areas.
• The motor skills of stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and handling such as required to assist patient/client during a radiographic exam/ procedure.
• Ability to perform medium work (defined as lifting 60 pound maximum with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 30 pounds) such as required to manually move medical equipment.
• Ability to walk with good balance, resist challenge while walking and support a patient/client who may have poor balance/weakened musculature during gait, ability to negotiate environmental barriers safely with patient/client.
• Fine motor coordination (manual dexterity) sufficient to manipulate and use medical equipment.
• Independent mobility including transportation to/from campus and clinical courses.
• Stamina to participate in physical activity over prolonged periods of time while positioning a patient/ client and providing physical assistance to patients/clients.
• Information detailed on the Medical History and Physical Examination form is legally privileged and confidential. It is intended for use by the Health Science program unless written consent has been provided for release to other parties.

Intellectual and Conceptual Standards –

• Ability to assimilate, within a reasonable amount of time, large amounts of complex, technical and detailed information from a variety of sources.
• Ability to identify cause-effect relationship in order to make judgments and set priorities in clinical situations.
• Recognize physiological changes in patient/client status and act appropriately.
• Ability to function during stressful situations.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, integrate information and make decisions promptly.

Behavioral and Social Standards –

• Possess sufficient interpersonal skills to establish meaningful and effective rapport with patients/clients, families, & colleagues from a variety of different social, emotional, economic, cultural, ethnic, religious and intellectual backgrounds as well as within all age groups.
• Ability to cope with heavy workload schedule and patient demands.
• Function effectively during periods of high stress.
• Display adaptability.
• Accept responsibility for own behavior.
• Engage in self-assessment activities which include identification of learning needs.

Ethical Standards –

• Exhibit a respect for truth and a commitment to honesty in all didactic and clinical pursuits adhere to ethical and legal guidelines established by applicable national organizations and governmental agencies.
• Abide by all institutional regulations.
• Appreciate and respect patient/family confidentiality.
• Information detailed on the Medical History and Physical Examination form is legally privileged and confidential. It is intended for use by the Health Science program unless written consent has been provided for release to other parties.