Technical Standards

MCPHS has established the following list of technical standards for the majors of Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy. These technical standards conform to the professional technical standards required for the safe and ethical practice of the tasks/skills associated with medical radiography, clinical nuclear medicine technology and clinical radiation therapy. Each student, with or without a reasonable accommodation, must be able to demonstrate that they are able to:

• Reach and manipulate equipment to its highest position (6 feet)
• Move a standard wheelchair and/or stretcher from a waiting area to the imaging/treatment room
• Transfer patients from wheelchairs and stretchers and help them on/off imaging/treatment table
• Lift a minimum of 60 pounds and ensure patient safety
• Perform CPR
• Move from room to room and maneuver in small, enclosed spaces
• Demonstrate manual dexterity to perform necessary manipulations such as drawing doses with a syringe, manipulating locks, putting on surgical gloves
• Use sufficient corrected eyesight to observe patients and evaluate radiographic quality
• Visually monitor patients/charts/machine indicator lights in dimly lit conditions
• Read and apply appropriate information and instructions contained in requisitions, notes and patient charts
• Detect audible alarms and background sounds during procedures to ensure patient and staff safety
• Possess sufficient verbal and written skills to communicate needs promptly and effectively in English
• Communicate in a clear and concise manner with patients of all ages, including obtaining health history and pertinent information
• Understand and apply clinical instructions given by department personnel
• Be able to adapt to changing environments and schedules
• Establish rapport with fellow students, coworkers, patients and families
• Function under stressful conditions
• Endure an eight-hour clinical day with a minimum of four to six hours of standing or walking
• Endure a minimum of two hours of didactic instruction in a normal classroom environment

Working conditions for Radiographers and Radiography students typically involve:

• Possible exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Possible exposure to chemical solutions.

Prior to clinical externships all students must initially undergo the same screening procedures as patients, staff, and visitors 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, and are not limited to:

• 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)

Note: All Radiography students must fulfill the requirement for CPR certification and for medical terminology before the first Radiography Internship (RAD 201C).