Technical Standards

Computed Tomography

A Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist is typically employed in a hospital or a clinic to provide direct care for patients and must be able to apply verified knowledge and skillfully perform CT procedures. Clinical and laboratory assign­ments for the CT program require certain physical demands that are the techni­cal standards of admission. These standards are based upon the minimum tasks performed by graduates of the program as recommended by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Listed below are the technical standards which all applicants must meet in order to participate and complete the CT pro­gram.

1. Sufficient visual acuity to accurately administer contrast agents and to mon­itor imaging equipment as well as provide the necessary patient assessment and care.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team and to assess the health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as intercom systems, blood pressure gauges and fire alarms.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement skills related to the performance of CT, such as positioning, transporting and imaging patients. CT technologists must be able to manip­ulate equipment such as the scan console and power injectors. In addition, CT technologists must perform venipuncture on a regular basis.
4. Sufficient communication skills (verbal, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest.
5. Sufficient intellectual and emotional function to plan and implement patient care.

Examples of specific technical standards that the CT student must be able to meet are:

• Lift, transfer and/or move patients from wheelchair/stretcher to scan table, including trauma patients.
• Physical agility: sitting (4-7 hours)
• Physical and mental abilities to handle moderate and frequent exposure to infectious agents (blood, urine, etc.)
• Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
• Distinguish colors and shades of gray
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, including patient instruction
• Read and extract information from the medical chart or patient requisitions
• Explain the clinical study verbally and/or in writing

Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

An Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist is typically employed in a hospital to assist physicians with cardiac catheterization procedures and provide direct patient care.

Clinical and laboratory assignments for the Invasive Cardiovascular program require certain physical demands that are the technical standards of admission. These standards are based upon the minimum tasks performed by graduates of the program. Listed below are the technical standards which all applicants are must meet in order to participate and complete the ICVT program.

1. Sufficient visual acuity to read catheterization procedure prescriptions and charts, observe conditions of the patient and evaluate hemodynamic moni­toring equipment.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team and to assess the health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as intercom systems, cardiac monitors, respiratory monitors and fire alarms.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement skills related to the performance of imaging exams, such as movement of patients and equipment.
4. Sufficient communication skills (verbal, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest.
5. Sufficient intellectual and emotional function to plan and implement patient care.

Examples of specific technical standards the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology student must be able to meet are:

• Lift, transfer and/or move patients from wheelchair/stretcher to procedure table
• Lift, move, reach or push equipment
• Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
• Physical agility: sitting (4-7 hours), standing (4-7 hours)
• Carry 12-30 pounds (lead aprons) while working
• Distinguish colors and shades of gray
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal relation skills, including patient instruc­tion
• Physical and mental abilities to handle moderate and frequent exposure to infectious agents (blood, urine etc.) and moderate exposure to frequent ion­izing radiation
• Read and extract information from the medical chart or patient requisitions
• Explain the clinical study verbally and/or in writing

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( MRI ) Technologist is typically employed in a hospital or a clinic to provide direct care for patients and must be able to apply verified knowledge and skillfully perform MRI procedures. Clinical and labora­tory assignments for the MRI program require certain physical demands that are the technical standards of admission. These standards are based upon the mini­mum tasks performed by graduates of the program as recommended by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Listed below are the technical standards that all applicants must meet in order to participate and complete the MRI program:

1. Sufficient visual acuity to accurately administer contrast agents and to mon­itor imaging equipment as well as provide the necessary patient assessment and care.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team and to assess the health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as intercom systems, cardiac monitors, respiratory monitors and fire alarms.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement skills related to the performance of MRI , such as positioning, transporting and imaging patients. MRI technologists must be able to manip­ulate equipment such as the scan console, power injectors and various RF receiver coils. In addition, MRI technologists must perform venipuncture on a regular basis.
4. Sufficient communication skills (verbal, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest.
5. Sufficient intellectual and emotional function to plan and implement patient care.

Examples of specific technical standards the MRI student must be able to meet are:

• Lift, transfer and/or move patients from wheelchair/stretcher to scan table. Dock/release and wheel scan table to/from scan room to patient waiting area
• Lift, move, reach or push MRI equipment (lift MRI coils of up to 25 lbs., push/wheel docking table with patient to/from scan room)
• Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
• Distinguish colors and shades of gray
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal relation skills, including patient instruc­tion
• Read and extract information from the medical chart or patient requisitions
• Explain the clinical study verbally an/or in writing

To perform/assist with MRI procedures on patients, students must initially under­go the same screening procedures as patients in order to enter the scan room. The MRI scan room contains a region of intense magnetic field. Objects that dis­play any form of ferromagnetism are therefore of particular concern for MRI . Contraindications for entering the MRI scan room include:

• Certain biomedical implants, materials, and devices (e.g., aneurysm clips, brain clips)
• Certain electrically, magnetically and mechanically activated implants and devices (e.g., cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants)
• Certain metallic foreign objects (e.g., shrapnel, bullets, metal in eyes)

Medical Dosimetry

A Medical Dosimetrist is typically employed in a hospital or outpatient oncology center.

Clinical and laboratory assignments for the Dosimetry program require certain physical demands that are the technical standards of admission. These standards are based upon Standards of Practice for the Medical Dosimetrist. Listed below are the technical standards which all applicants must meet in order to participate and complete the dosimetry program.

1. Sufficient visual acuity to read x-ray prescriptions & charts, observe conditions of the patient & evaluate images.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team and to assess the health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as intercom systems, cardiac monitors, respiratory monitors, fire alarms, etc.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement skills related to the performance of imaging exams and treatments. Dosimetrists must be able to manipulate equipment such as the linear accelerator, treatment table and control panel.
4. Sufficient communication skills (verbal, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest.
5. Sufficient intellectual and emotional function to plan and implement patient care.

Examples of specific technical standards the dosimetry student must be able to meet are:

• Assist to lift, transfer and/or move patients from wheelchair/stretcher to simulation or treatment table.
• Stand and reach to make measurements of patients
• Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
• Distinguish color and shades of gray
• Grasp complex 3-D spatial relationships
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, including patient instruction
• Read and extract information from the medical chart or patient prescriptions
• Explain the clinical study and treatment verbally an/or in writing
• Physical and mental abilities to handle moderate and frequent exposure to infectious agents (blood, urine etc.) and moderate and limited exposure to ionizing radiation
• Ability to lift 30 pounds of weight (treatment aids).
• Ability to type and operate a computer keyboard and mouse and read or draw contours on screen.

Nuclear Medicine

A Nuclear Medicine Technologist is typically employed in a hospital or a clinic to provide direct care for patients and must be able to apply verified knowledge and skillfully perform NM procedures. Clinical and laboratory assignments for the Nuclear Medicine program require certain physical demands that are the technical standards of admission. These standards are based upon the minimum tasks performed by graduates of the program as recommended by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Listed below are the technical standards which all applicants must meet in order to participate and complete the NM pro­gram.

1. Sufficient visual acuity to accurately prepare and administer radiopharma­ceuticals and other medications and to monitor imaging equipment as well as provide the necessary patient assessment and care.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team and to assess the health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as intercom systems, blood pressure gauges and fire alarms.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement skills related to the performance of NM, such as positioning, transporting and imaging patients. NM technologists must be able to lift and transport lead blocks or radionuclide generators weighing up to 50 pounds. In addition, NM technologists must perform venipuncture on a regular basis.
4. Sufficient communication skills (verbal, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest.
5. Sufficient intellectual and emotional function to plan and implement patient care.

Examples of specific technical standards the NM student must be able to meet are:

• Lift, transfer and/or move patients from wheelchair/stretcher to the NM table
• Lift, move, reach or push NM equipment
• Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
• Distinguish colors and shades of gray
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, including patient instruction
• Read and extract information from the medical chart or patient requisitions
• Explain the clinical study verbally an/or in writing
• Physical and mental abilities to handle moderate and frequent exposure to infectious agents (blood, urine) and moderate exposure to ionizing radiation.

Radiation Therapy

A Radiation Therapist is typically employed in a hospital or clinic.

Clinical and laboratory assignments for the Radiation Therapy program require certain physical demands that are the technical standards of admission. These standards are based upon the minimum tasks performed by graduates of the program as recommended by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Listed below are the technical standards which all applicants must meet in order to participate and complete the radiation therapy program.

1. Sufficient visual acuity to read the prescriptions and charts of radiation therapy, observe conditions of the patient & evaluate therapeutic images.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team and to assess the health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as intercom systems, cardiac monitors, respiratory monitors, fire alarms, etc.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement skills related to the performance of imaging exams and treatments, such as positioning and transporting patients. Radiation therapists must be able to manipulate equipment such as the linear accelerator, table and control panel.
4. Sufficient communication skills (verbal, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest.
5. Sufficient intellectual and emotional function to plan and implement patient care.

Examples of specific technical standards the radiation therapy student must be able to meet are:

• Lift, transfer and/or move patients from wheelchair/stretcher to treatment table. Lift, move, reach or push equipment
• Stand and reach to make measurements of patients
• Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
• Be able to stand or walk for 75% of clinical time
• Distinguish color and shades of gray
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, including patient instruction
• Read and extract information from the medical chart or patient prescriptions
• Explain the clinical study and treatment verbally an/or in writing
• Physical and mental abilities to handle moderate and frequent exposure to infectious agents (blood, urine etc.) and moderate and limited exposure to ionizing radiation
• Ability to lift 30 pounds of weight (treatment aids)

Radiography

A Radiographer is typically employed in a hospital, clinic or mobile radiography to provide x-ray procedures and direct patient care. Clinical and laboratory assignments for the Radiography program require certain physical demands that are the technical standards of admission. These standards are based upon the minimum tasks performed by graduates of the program as recommended by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Listed below are the technical standards which all applicants must meet in order to par­ticipate and complete the radiography program.

1. Sufficient visual acuity to read x-ray prescriptions and charts, observe con­ditions of the patient and evaluate x-ray images.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team and to assess the health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as intercom systems, cardiac monitors, respiratory monitors and fire alarms.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement skills related to the performance of imaging exams, such as posi­tioning and transporting patients. X-ray technologists must be able to manip­ulate equipment such as the x-ray tube, table and control panel.
4. Sufficient communication skills (verbal, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest.
5. Sufficient intellectual and emotional function to plan and implement patient care.

Examples of specific technical standards the radiography student must be able to meet are:

• Lift, transfer and/or move patients from wheelchair/stretcher to x-ray table. Lift, move, reach or push equipment
• Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
• Be able to stand or walk for 75% of clinical time
• Distinguish colors and shades of gray
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, including patient instruction
• Read and extract information from the medical chart or patient prescriptions
• Explain the clinical study verbally an/or in writing
• Physical and mental abilities to handle moderate and frequent exposure to infectious agents (blood, urine) and moderate and limited exposure to ionizing radiation
• Carry 12-30 pounds (lead aprons) while working

General Sonography, Cardiac Sonography, Vascular Sonography

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is typically employed in a hospital or clinic or in a mobile service to provide diagnostic procedures and direct patient care. Clinical and laboratory assignments for these individuals in the general sonogra­phy, cardiac sonography and vascular sonography programs require certain phys­ical demands that are the technical standards of admission. These standards are based upon the minimum tasks performed by graduates of the program as rec­ommended by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Listed below are the technical standards that all applicants must meet in order to participate in and complete the general sonography, cardiac sonography and vascular sonography programs.

1. Sufficient visual acuity to read sonography prescriptions and patient charts, observe conditions of the patient and evaluate sonographic images.
2. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the healthcare team to obtain and record an accu­rate patient history and to assess the health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as intercom systems, cardiac monitors, respira­tory monitors and fire alarms.3.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement skills related to the performance of sonographic imaging exami­nations and/or cardiovascular procedures, such as positioning and trans­porting patients and obtaining diagnostic images. Sonographers must be able to manipulate sonographic equipment in order to achieve diagnostic images.
4. Sufficient communication skills (verbal, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest, collaborate with physi­cians and other members of the healthcare team, and provide an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the physician for medical diag­nosis.
5. Sufficient intellectual and emotional function to plan and implement quali­ty patient care, analyze technical information, and use independent judg­ment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure accord­ing to the diagnostic findings.

Examples of specific technical standards that the diagnostic medical sonography student must be able to meet are:

• Lift, transfer and/or assist patients from wheelchair/stretcher to examination table. Lift, move, reach, push or pull equipment
• Manual dexterity and ability to bend/stretch
• Have full use of both hands, wrists and shoulders
• Work standing on their feet 80% of the time
• Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions and shades of gray
• Distinguish audible sounds
• Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic pro­cedure in the proper sequence
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal relation skills, including patient instruc­tion
• Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured
• Read and extract information from the medical chart or patient requisitions
• Explain the clinical study verbally and/or in writing