Medical Radiography Program Clinical Requirements
Physical Requirements Needed for Successful Performance in the Clinical Area
Radiographers must be capable of performing a variety of physically demanding tasks as part of their role. Effective patient care in clinical settings also requires strong communication skills. Therefore, all students must meet the following physical and communication requirements to ensure success in clinical environments:
- Ability to stand for up to 10 hours during clinical shifts.
- Capacity to push, pull, and move patients, with the potential of exceeding 200 lbs.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English to ensure clear communication with patients, staff, and peers.
- Manual dexterity for operating equipment, including hand and foot controls.
- Ability to follow directions and respond to patient needs promptly.
- Competence in operating portable radiographic equipment.
- Visual acuity to assess radiographic images.
- Good hearing ability and practice of safe body mechanics to prevent injury.
- Capability to lift and carry radiography-related equipment as needed.
Health and Medical Requirements
- A negative drug screen.
- Provide a physician signed medical history and physical exam.
- Submit verified immunization records, to include Hepatitis B.
- Documented seasonal influenza and covid vaccine.
- Complete a two-step TB screen
- Maintain current CPR (Basic Life Support) & AED certification (AHA-BLS).
- Complete HIPAA training and Signed Confidentiality Agreement.
- Provide documentation from a physician for any injury or disability requiring accommodations.
Criminal History and Sex Offender Background Check: Criminal history and sex offender background checks are required by most of our clinical agencies. Therefore, students must have a background check completed in order to participate in clinical experiences. In the event that offenses are present, the student will meet with the Program Director. Clinical agencies must be notified of such offenses. It is at their discretion to allow the student to participate in clinical experiences within their agency. If permission is denied, the student will not be able to complete the required clinical hours and assignments; therefore, he/she will fail the clinical portion of the course. The ARRT has the right to refuse licensure to any applicant who has had a conviction of any felony or misdemeanor.
Liability Insurance: all students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The University provides this insurance to all students and clinical faculty. This coverage is only in effect when students and faculty are participating in approved clinical experiences associated with the program clinical courses, dates, and times. It does not cover student employment and/or volunteer activities that are not associated with the University or its medical radiography program.
Reliable Transportation: Students are responsible for providing their own transportation and any related parking fees to and from assigned clinical experiences. Clinical sites may be located beyond 50 miles from the campus.
Flexible Schedule: Clinical assignments may include day, evening and weekend hours.
Pregnancy Policy
Pregnancy disclosure is voluntary. If disclosed, a second radiation badge will be issued to monitor fetal exposure, and options for continued participation in the program will be discussed with the student. Adjustments may include changes in clinical rotation or continuing with the regular schedule. The policy allows for withdrawal of the disclosure at any time.
Program Mission, Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes
The Medical Radiography Program offers potential candidates the opportunity to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography. This program serves as a means to address the need for Registered Technologists in Radiography, R.T. (R) in Virginia, nationally and internationally to meet society‘s need for highly skilled and knowledgeable Radiographer professionals.
Philosophy
The Medical Radiography curriculum has been designed to thoroughly prepare students for an entry-level career as a Radiographer. The program teaches the physical and applied science of Radiography, with a focus on the application of theory to clinical practice. This program is designed to provide students with a fundamental imaging foundation so that they are competent clinical practitioners capable of producing diagnostic radiographs while subjecting the patient and healthcare personnel to minimum radiation exposure. Students learn critical thinking skills and independent professional judgment, thus preparing graduates for success on the national and/or any applicable state exams and in the workplace.
Program Purpose
The Medical Radiography Program at ECPI University, School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute prepares graduates to provide professional patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management and safety, in the application of ionizing radiation to humans.
The program‘s main purpose is to educate students with the most current knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the client and the demands of the healthcare industry. This program includes emphasis on the culture of safety, education, and interdisciplinary collaborative learning from both community-based and hospital settings.
Upon completion of the program, students receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography, which allows them to become eligible to sit for the national ARRT exam in Radiography and also qualifies graduates for state licensing. As a Radiographer, a vast range of opportunities are available to the graduate, allowing continued professional growth and educational development.
ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. ECPI University also offers credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
