Radiography - Associate in Applied Science

These standards are capabilities associated with the successful practice of radiography. Under no circumstances are they considered conditions for admission to the Radiography Program.

In order to perform the tasks required of radiographers, certain physical capabilities are required. Students must demonstrate the ability to perform required functions as a routine part of either classroom, laboratory or clinical education. Students should be aware that successful completion of the Radiography Program will depend upon the ability to meet the following technical standards:

1. A reasonable amount of strength and mobility are required for the following reasons:
   • Radiographers must be able to lift, move or push heavy equipment, imaging plates, mobile x-ray equipment, stretchers and/or wheelchairs with patients in them.
   • Radiographers must be able to help in lifting patients who may be paralyzed, comatose or otherwise incapacitated, from stretchers or wheelchairs to x-ray tables and back.
   • Radiographers must be able to provide physical assistance and care for patients in a timely manner in all circumstances.
   • Radiographers must be able to reach overhead in order to manipulate an x-ray tube that hangs from the ceiling.
2. Manual dexterity, good motor skills and eye-hand coordination are necessary in order to:
   • Manipulate locks on equipment
     Don surgical gloves
   • Fill syringes
   • Align patient, imaging plate and x-ray tube
3. Sensory function in at least one upper limb is necessary in order to palpate bony prominences.
4. The ability to hear faint or muffled sounds is necessary in order to:
   • Respond to patient needs since operator control areas are separated from the x-ray tube and table where patients are placed.
   • Monitor equipment operation or dysfunction which may be indicated by low-sounding bells or buzzers.
   • Function when the use of surgical masks are required for protection of the patient or hospital personnel.
   • Respond to pages from the hospital public address system.
5. Visual acuity (the ability to see fine lines) and intensity discrimination (the ability to distinguish gradual changes in blacks, grays and whites) are necessary in order to evaluate radiographs for technical quality.
6. The ability to communicate orally and in writing is a requirement for radiographers in order to:
   • Ascertain and record patient histories.
   • Explain and complete patient consent forms.
   • Provide clear and audible directions to patients face-to-face and from the radiography control area, which may be 15 feet away from the patient.

• What is a radiographer?
• How can I become a radiographer?
• What credentials are necessary to work as a radiographer?
• Where do radiographers work?
• What are radiographers' salaries like?
• Are there advancement opportunities in this field?
• What is the outlook for jobs in the future?
• What should an interested student do to prepare for entry into the program?
• Is radiation a health hazard for those who work as radiographers?
• What is the typical cost of this program?
• Whom may I contact for more information?

Q: What is a radiographer?

A: A radiographer is a person who uses x-radiation, a knowledge of anatomy, and imaging principles to aid physicians in the diagnosis of disease, in monitoring patient progress, in controlled screenings for early detection, or in research.

Q: How can I become a radiographer?

A: The education required for a radiographer is specified and approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606, phone 312-704-5300). After completing the prerequisite coursework, it is a two-year program (six semesters) that incorporates college classes with clinical practice. The Community College of Rhode Island offers a fully-accredited program in Radiography. Graduates earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science.

Q: What kind of credentials are necessary to work as a radiographer?

A: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentials radiographers. Candidates applying for certification must successfully complete an accredited program in Radiography and hold a minimum of an associate degree. A state license is required to work as a radiographer in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Q: Where do radiographers work?

A: Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and private emergency rooms. Radiographers work all shifts, part-time or full-time. Flexible hours are often available.

Q: What are radiographers' salaries like?

A: Starting salaries at the present time average $25.73 per hour. Hospital benefit packages are excellent and include health care, dental coverage, insurance, vacation and sick time. Private facilities may vary somewhat in the benefits they offer.

Q: Are there advanced placement opportunities in this field?

There are numerous opportunities for advancement. Areas include computed tomography (CT), mammography and angiography. With one year of additional education there are opportunities in medical ultrasonography (computer assisted imaging with sound waves), nuclear medicine, computer assisted imaging using radioisotopes, radiation therapy (treatment of disease with radiation) and magnetic resonance imaging (computer assisted imaging using magnets and radiowaves).

Q: What is the outlook for jobs in the future?

A: According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, job opportunities in the field will continue into the twenty-first century.

Q: What should an interested student do to prepare for entry into a radiography program?

A: Have a good background in math and science, including two years of high school math (algebra, geometry) and two years of high school science (biology, anatomy, chemistry or physics). Develop good reading and communication skills. Take courses required for admission. Take the placement exams in math and English as early as possible. Graduates of other educational programs may be able to transfer general education courses.

Q: Is the radiation a health hazard for those who work as radiographers?

A: The answer is yes. Radiation is a health hazard to everyone. A large part of the educational process is devoted to preparing students to work with radiation in a safe manner. If safety procedures are carefully observed, there is virtually no threat to the health or well-being of a radiographer

Q: What is the typical cost of this program?

A: The typical cost of the program for a full-time student is the current CCRI tuition and fees, laboratory fees, books, uniforms and travel expenses to the clinical sites. Additional information can be found on the Bursar website at www.ccri.edu/bursar.

Q: Whom may I contact for more information?

Contact The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists for certification requirements: www.arrt.org

Contact Michael Hynes, One Stop Student Services, at the Warwick Campus for information about the Radiography Program at CCRI:

Michael Hynes
Office of One Stop Student Services
Community College of Rhode Island
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 825-2266
Email: [email protected]

CCRI Website: www.ccri.edu

If more specific information is needed, contact Mrs. Pat Lucas, Radiography Program Director, at the above address, or at (401) 333-7025, email: [email protected]