Community College of Denver

Radiology Technology Program

Essential Functions of a Radiographer

All students must be able to perform all the essential functions with or without reasonable assistance/accommodations. Examples are not all inclusive.

Essential Function	Definition	Examples
Critical Thinking	Critical thinking ability for safe and effective practice in the procession of Radiologic technology as a Radiographer.	Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations; evaluate patient or disease responses; synthesize data; draw sound conclusions; effect appropriate actions.
Interpersonal Skills	Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups form a variety of professional, social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.	Establish rapport and interact professionally with patients, physicians, healthcare providers, peers, and faculty. Work well, with understanding and anticipation, to assist radiologists in fluoroscopic and radiographic procedures. Using appropriate communication techniques, respond and react with compassion and sensitivity to the needs of others.
Communications	Communication abilities sufficient for effective interaction with others in spoken and written English.	Explain diagnostic procedures; initiate patient education; document and interpret patient data, listen attentively.
Physical Endurance	Remain continuously on task for several hours. Be able to lift 25 lbs and perform physically demanding	Manually resuscitate patients in emergency situations, be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, extend arms overhead, manipulate and move necessary accessory and mobile radiographic equipment, perform repetitive motions, and transport and transfer patients
Mobility	Physical abilities necessary to move to various ancillary locations within the clinical setting with sufficient speed to answer critical care situations, and maneuver in small spaces, full range of motion, manual and finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination.	Move in and around workspaces, patient care areas, emergency room, operating room, and sterile fields; work effectively and competently with and around other health care professionals in stressful situations.
Motor Skills	Gross and find motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care.	Use various types of radiographic devices, accessory devices and equipment; assist in transferring and positioning patients, lift and operate equipment with necessary strength and dexterity.
Hearing Ability	Auditory ability sufficient to monitor, respond to, and assesses health needs	Hear patient concerns, fear and complaints, emergency signals and physician orders.
Visual Ability	Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment of patient conditions, operation and maintenance of technical equipment, and assessment of radiographic image quality	Read charts, computer screen, dials, labels and gauges; identify and interpret digital and analog control panel, see in darkroom conditions. Display visual/spatial skills sufficient for patient safety and comfort.
Olfactory Ability	Olfactory senses (smell) sufficient for maintaining environment and patient safety.	Distinguish smells which are contributory to assessing and/or maintaining the patient’s health status (i.e. diabetic emergencies or environmental safety fire).
Professionalism	Ability to present a professional appearance and implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health, and emotional stability. Ability to demonstrate emotional health required for the utilization of intellectual abilities and exercise good judgment.	Work under time constraints while performing multiple tasks. Tolerate and react calmly to stressful situations. Exercise professional judgment when prioritizing patient’s needs. Demonstrate flexibility and teamwork. Show concern for others.
Environmental Safety	Ability to recognize and protect self, patients and others from environmental risks and hazards.	Follow Standard Precautions, safety procedures and radiation safety protocols; work safely with potentially hazardous body fluids and chemicals; utilize good cleaning technique; tolerate frequent handwashing and wearing of lead aprons, latex gloves. Masks, surgical gowns and safety eyewear.

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Student Signature Date