Definition: An entry-level radiologic technologist
performs diagnostic imaging while providing quality patient care, monitoring
and maintaining radiographic equipment, and practicing necessary radiation and
universal protection measures in a professional manner.
A.
DEMONSTRATE
PROFESSIONALISM
A.1 Follows institutional/departmental policies/procedures
A.2 Follows external regulations; e.g., HIPAA, JCAHO, DHEC, ACR
A.3 Meets national and state certifications; e.g., ARRT
A.4 Participates in continuing education; e.g., CPR, first aid,
maintain license/certification
A.5 Participates in in-service activities
A.6 Serves on professional committees
A.7 Recognizes medico-legal responsibilities
A.8 Maintains patient confidentiality and privacy
A.9 Demonstrates professional medical ethics
A.10 Assists with supervision and instruction of students
A.11 Demonstrates appropriate personal hygiene
A.12 Handless stressful situations properly
A.13 Respects multiculturalism and other differences
A.14 Practices critical-thinking skills
B.
PRACTICE
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
B.1 Determines/confirms patient's identity and procedure
B.2 Verifies orders with physician
B.3 Instructs patient/patient’s family about diet and preparation
for exams
B.4 Explains procedure to patient/patient’s family to relieve
anxiety
B.5 Obtains and records patient medical/allergic history
B.6 Questions female patient regarding LMP and pregnancy
B.7 Instructs patient in pre-imaging breathing/movements
B.8 Gives accurate and pertinent information to patient’s family
and medical staff
B.9 Demonstrates proficiency in using medical terminology
B.10 Uses accepted terminology and abbreviations; i.e., medical/patient
B.11 Communicates with coworkers; e.g., between shifts
B.12 Relates to all age groups; e.g., elderly, children
B.13 Gives and interprets nonverbal communication
B.14 Practices active listening skills
B.15 Practices telephone etiquette at all times
B.16 Performs as a team player
B.17 Establishes rapport with other departments
C. PERFORM CLERICAL PROCEDURES
C.1 Communicates x-ray reports via phone, mail, fax. Computer in
accordance with HIPAA guidelines
C.2 Schedules patients for procedures following recommended
sequence protocol
C.3 Instructs patient/patient’s family about diet in preparation
for exams
C.4 Obtains and records medical/allergic history
C.5 Verifies and completes radiographic requisitions; e.g.,
manually and/or electronic
C.6 Signs our and retrieves radiographic patient records; e.g.,
radiographs/reports
C.7 Copies films
C.8 Verifies patient film identification
C.9 Combines and files requisition/report and radiographs
C.10 Demonstrates basic computer skills
C.11 Maintains patient log via computer or paper
C.12 Enters patient charges via computer or paper
D. MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES
D.1 Warms up x-ray tube and cleans and checks equipment
D.2 Recognizes and reports malfunctions in radiographic equipment
D.3 Inspects and cleans screens and cassettes
D.4 Starts up and/or shuts down film processors
D.5 Recognizes and reports malfunction in automatic processes;
e.g., chemical, mechanical
D.6 Recognizes and reports malfunction in digital processors
D.7 Performs safety checks of equipment and/or accessories
D.8 Maintains adequate department and room supplies
D.9 Checks expiration dates for supplies
D.10 Cleans, washes, disinfects, and/or sterilizes
facilities/equipment
E. PRACTICE HEALTH SAFETY
E.1 Practices universal precautions
E.2 Follows common safety rules and regulations; e.g., oxygen
tanks, processing chemistry, OSHA
E.3 Uses correct isolation procedures
E.4 Wears protective apparatus; e.g., gloves, mask, air respirator
E.5 Disposes of used protective apparatus properly
E.6 Uses and disposes of needles and syringes properly
E.7 Washes hands pre/post patient contact
E.8 Practices sterile techniques
E.9 Cleans equipment between patients
E.10 Uses proper body mechanics
E.11 Assesses patient for risk of falls
E.12 Follows safety procedures when transporting patient; e.g., lock
wheel chairs and stretchers
F. PRACTICE RADIATION PROTECTION
F.1 Marks radiation areas with appropriate signs; e.g., radiation,
pregnancy
F.2 Wears a personal monitoring exposure device; e.g., film badge
F.3 Questions females regarding pregnancy
F.4 Uses shielding devices as appropriate; e.g., patient, operator
F.5 Uses proper collimation
F.6 Uses exposure factors which minimize radiation exposure; e.g.,
ALARA Principle
F.7 Removes unnecessary persons from exam room
F.8 Uses lead barriers
F.9 Distances self from radiation source
F.10 Monitors equipment performance
G. PERFORM PATIENT CARE
G.1 Determines and confirms patient’s identity
G.2 Provides for patient comfort and modesty
G.3 Assists patient mobility; e.g., transfer to x-ray table
G.4 Provides care for patient; e.g., dress and bathe, attention to
special needs
G.5 Obtains and monitors patient’s vital signs
G.6 Observes patient after contrast injection
G.7 Administers emergency treatment to patient in critical
situations; e.g., CPR
G.8 Monitors medical equipment attached to patient
G.9 Uses immobilization devices, when indicated
G.10 Protects isolated patients
G.11 Checks patient’s lab results as needed
G.12 Transports patient to and from x-ray department
G.13 Practices keen observation skills
G.14 Communicates at patient’s level
G.15 Instructs patient/patient’s family about diet/preparation for
exams
G.16 Organizes work for quantity and quality
H. PERFORM IMAGING PROCEDURES
H.1 Selects appropriate equipment and supplies
H.2 Selects appropriate film/screen, grid combination, and correct
film size
H.3 Assesses patient’s condition continuously
H.4 Follows procedure protocol
H.5 Prepares patient for procedures
H.6 Removes radiopaque objects
H.7 Uses proper body mechanics
H.8 Provides for patient comfort and modesty
H.9 Positions equipment
H.10 Positions patient properly
H.11 Uses indicated immobilization and radiation protective devices
H.12 Uses calipers and technique charts
H.13 Uses proper collimation
H.14 Uses appropriate anatomical identification markers
H.15 Sets appropriate kVp, mA, and time for image quality
H.16 Instructs/observes patient in breathing
H.17 Makes exposure
H.18 Imprints proper film identification and develops film
(automated)
H.19 Enters patient information and processes images
(digital/computed radiography)
H.20 Evaluates and hangs finished radiographs
H.21 Takes corrective measures on unsuitable radiographs
H.22 Stores film-cassettes properly
H.23 Assists radiologist and/or other physician in indicated
procedures
H.24 Sends patient’s file with all images to appropriate personnel;
e.g., radiologist, physician
H.25 Practices universal precautions
H.26 Operates various types of radiographic equipment; e.g.,
fluoroscopic and tomographic
HA. NON CONTRAST (Includes all of band H) in addition to
HA.1 Sets up sterile tray as needed
HB. CONTRAST (Includes all of band H) in addition to
HB.1 Checks patient’s lab results as needed
HB.2 Obtains and records patient’s allergic/medical history
HB.3 Obtains consent form
HB.4 Prepares contrast material
HB.5 Provides emergency supplies
HB.6 Administers and/or assists physician with administration of
contrast material
HB.7 Monitors patient’s vital signs and observes patient for adverse
reactions to contrast material
HB.8 Sets up sterile trays as needed
HB.9 Performs venipuncture
HC. EXTERNAL (Includes all of band H) in addition to
HC.1 Observes sterile technique if indicated; e.g., OR
HC.2 Follows contrast procedures if indicated
I. PERFORM FILM PROCESSING
I.1 Recognizes, reports, and/or repairs malfunctions in film
processors
I.2 Monitors performance of processors
I.3 Cleans and maintains cassettes
I.4 Insures patient identification on film
I.5 Processes exposed film
I.6 Stores film/cassettes properly
IA. AUTOMATED (Includes all of band I) in addition to
IA.1 Starts up or shuts down film processor
IA.2 Imprints proper identification and date onto film
IA.3 Monitors and maintains chemistry
IA.4 Selects appropriate film to reload cassettes
IA.5 Transmits image using teleradiography or converts image for
digital transmission
IB. DIGITAL (Includes all of band I) in addition to
IB.1 Adjusts image brightness/contrast on CRT
IB.2 Imprints marker digitally if necessary
IB.3 Orients image properly
J. PRACTICE QUALTY ASSURANCE
J.1 Completes quality assurance forms as necessary
J.2 Checks crash cart daily
J.3 Conducts film repeat analysis
J.4 Complete emergency preparedness log; e.g., checklist for
x-ray room and supplies
J.5 Inspects lead aprons, shields, and gloves
J.6 Checks sensitometry and densitometry
J.7 Conducts patient/family satisfaction surveys
J.8 Reviews and evaluates individual occupational exposure reports
J.9 Monitors performance of automatic processors; i.e., quality
control
Assertive Compassionate
Dependable Efficient
Empathetic Flexible
Honest Independent
Organized Patient
Prompt Reliable
Self-confident Sympathetic
Tactful Versatile
Positive response to
criticism
Caring attitude
Common sense
Decision-making skills
Good listener
Good physical/mental health
Good reasoning skills
Multitasking ability
Observation skills
Positive attitude
Sense of humor
Shows Initiative
Team player
Anatomy
Basic algebra
Basic computer skills
Basic pharmacology
Physics
Panelists:
Ms. Ginny Allmon, RT (R),
Team Leader, Piedmont Medical Center, Rock Hill, SC
Ms. Carrie K. Belk, RT (R),
Radiology Technologist and Supervisor, Union Regional Medical Center, Monroe,
NC
Ms, Kay Byrd, Assistant
Director of Radiology, Springs Memorial Hospital, Lancaster, SC
Ms. Sherry Chio, Radiologic
Technologist, Carolina Urology Center, Rock Hill, SC
Ms. Ann Thomas, Radiologic
Technologist/Clinical Instructor, Carolina Orthopaedic, Rock Hill, SC
Co-Facilitators:
Mrs. Louise C. Rhyne, Dean
of Learning Resources, York Technical College, Rock Hill, SC
Mr. Chad Hyatt,
Instructional Developer and Education Technology Center Manager, York Technical
College, Rock Hill, SC
Recorder/Coordinator:
Ms. Sylvia L. LaValle, CPS,
Administrative Specialist, Office of Dean of Learning Resources, York Technical
College, Rock Hill, SC
Program Manager:
Ms. Debbye Letizio, York
Technical College, Rock Hill, SC
DATE/LOCATION:
October 20, 2004
York Technical
College
452 S. Anderson
Road
Rock Hill, SC
29730
Adapted from DACUM
competency profile developed at York Technical College in 1996. Any changes, additions, or deletions have
been made by listed panelists participating in a DACUM validation workshop at York
Technical College on October 20, 2004.