Student Expectations and Requirements
Technical Standards for the Radiography Profession
Individuals admitted to Avera McKennan School of Radiologic Technology must be capable of completing the entire curriculum. The curriculum requires demonstrated proficiency in a variety of cognitive, problem-solving, manipulative, communicative, and interpersonal skills. Applicants must review the following standards to determine their ability and compatibility with the skill and ability requirements of radiographers.
For acceptance into the School of Radiologic Technology, the student must be able to meet these standards:
Communication Skills
- Provide effective written and oral communication with patients and healthcare professionals.
- Students must maintain confidentiality.
Visual/Auditory Requirements
- Report visual observations of patients and equipment functions as well as to read applicable patient history and medical information relevant to the procedure being performed.
- Vision must be adequate to monitor patients, properly align equipment, and center ray beam location on patients in a dimmed light environment.
- Possess the ability to view computer screens or image display monitors for an extended period of time.
- Hearing ability to be able to respond to the needs of patients and healthcare professionals.
Physical/Motor Abilities
- Possess the ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. routinely.
- Demonstrate adequate strength, motor coordination, and manual dexterity to properly lift and transport patients, manually position patients, manipulate a variety of radiographic equipment, and effectively operate portable imaging equipment.
- Possess the ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Possess the ability to wear a 10-15 lb. lead apron while performing the duties of the profession.
Cognitive/Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrate the ability to adequately apply instructions located on computer monitors, examination orders, and medical records.
- Understand and apply clinical instructions given by supervising professionals.
- Possess sufficient problem-solving skills to include measuring, calculating, reasoning, analyzing, and evaluating with the ability to perform the necessary skills in a timely fashion.
- Interact compassionately and empathetically with patients.
- Possess the mental and emotional stability to effectively handle stressful situations.
I understand and acknowledge that participating in clinical education at any healthcare site, entails risks that could result in illness or injury. By continuing in this program and participating in clinical experience, I acknowledge and accept these risks, and pledge to strictly comply with all safety laws, regulations, rules, and protocols specific to Avera McKennan Hospital and University Center, and any clinical site at which I am assigned.
Attendance Requirements
Students are required to attend all scheduled classes and assigned clinical rotations unless they have an approved absence.
Student clinical rotations and courses are offered primarily Monday through Friday, 7:30 – 4:00, but will vary depending on the clinical assignment. Approximately 10% of the clinical rotations will be spent in evening and weekend assignments. Students will not spend more than 40 hours per week in the program.
Vacation Time (80 hours each year)
Students will be allowed a total of 80 hours of vacation/illness/personal time per year. Personal time off includes, but is not limited to; vacation, illness, doctor appointments, interviews, and bereavement leave not included in the bereavement leave policy.
All students are on winter break over the Christmas and New Year holidays, December 22 – January 2 of each year. This time off is given to them and not deducted from their personal leave bank of time.
Holidays
There are seven holidays recognized by the School of Radiologic Technology and the students will have no assigned clinical rotations or class the following days:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Easter Sunday
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving and the Friday after
- Christmas
Housing
Housing is the responsibility of the student. Students accepted into the program will be notified by the Program Director of the names of the other accepted students who may be seeking a roommate or someone to help share expenses during their enrollment in the program. A list of reputable apartment options will also be sent to the student.
Health and Safety Information
Health
Students will undergo a health assessment with Employee Health Services. Documentation of vaccinations must be provided prior to the start of the program.
- If you have a known history of a positive TB test, provide a copy of the chest x-ray ray completed with tin the last year and treatment information if applicable. TB Quantiferon lab testing will be ordered and completed by each student the first week of school.
- Proof of adult Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination.
- Proof of 2 complete MMR’s (measles, mumps, rubella) immunizations or proof of positive titers for measles, mumps, and rubella. The student must provide official documentation.
- Proof of three Hepatitis B immunizations, proof of a positive titer, or a signed declination form.
- Completed varicella questionnaire. Must have proof of a positive titer or documentation of vaccinations (2 required).
- Physical examination within the past year prior to admittance and standard 10 panel urine screen drug must be completed within 60 days of program start.
Health care services, while the student is enrolled in the program, is the responsibility of the student. Students must show proof of medical coverage upon admittance into the program.
Safety
