Technical Standards

Medical imaging is a physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging profession. To be successful in mastering the knowledge, skills and behaviors to become a medical imaging specialist, the student must possess certain attributes. As a prerequisite for clinical education, the student must meet the following non-academic criteria:

Observation

The student must be able to actively participate in all demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and clinical experiences: eg. sees the patient in the context of the imaging procedure; hears the patient during the performance of the imaging procedure. The student must be able to assess and comprehend the condition of all patients assigned for medical imaging examinations.

Communication

The student must be able to verbally communicate in English and demonstrate sensitivity toward patients in order to elicit information: eg. asks appropriate questions to take a patient history; explains imaging procedures to the patient. The student must describe changes in mood, activity, posture and physical condition as well as non-verbal communication: recognizes and expresses changes in patient condition; activates emergency procedures. The student must effectively transmit information to patients, fellow students, faculty and staff, as well as other members of the health care team.

Motor

The student must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients through appropriate diagnostic maneuvers: seeks assistance with less-than-optimum patients. The student must possess all skills necessary to carry out diagnostic procedures: carries several pounds of equipment; transfers equipment and patients from area to area. The student must execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients: transfers patients from wheelchair or cart to imaging equipment: catches the patient that faints; initiates basic emergency treatment; performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Intellectual/Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

The student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize. Problem solving, which is the critical skill demanded of medical imaging specialists, requires all of these intellectual abilities: improvises with non-traditional patients to obtain the traditional image; utilizes alternative methods when routine is ineffective. The student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures:  understands geometric relationships between anatomy and imaging media; visualizes cross-sectional anatomy in various planes.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

The student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients; and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Students must also tolerate taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interest, and motivation are personal qualities which each student should possess.